Lithium Side Effects

Serious Side Effects of Lithium

urinating more frequently or having trouble urinating, feeling the need to drink more liquids than usual
swelling of the ankles
underactive thyroid gland causing symptoms of fatigue, chills, rapid weight gain and depression
allergic reaction: rash, hives, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue throat or eyes, and trouble breathing
decrease in heart rate or passing out
seizure
fever with tense muscles and sweating
feeling cold and color changes in your fingers or toes
uncontrollable movements of the eyes, tongue, jaw or neck
changes in vision

Common Side Effects of Lithium

dry mouth
hair loss
minor trembling
weakness
a metallic taste in the mouth
diarrhea
weight gain
memory loss

Signs of Lithium Toxicity

Lithium can build up in the body and reach dangerous levels or toxicity. Signs of this include nausea or vomiting, diarrhea and changes in vision. If you experience any of the following you may have lithium toxicity and should call your doctor at once:

uncontrollable shaking or twitching
slurring speech
severe tiredness
extreme confusion
unconsciousness
seizure

Warnings & Recalls for Lithium

Taking too much Lithium can result in a potentially fatal overdose known as Lithium Toxicity. To prevent Lithium levels from becoming too high in the blood, do not take more of this medication than prescribed by your doctor and do not consume alcohol or other drugs. If you experience any symptoms of this condition, such as shakiness, lack of coordination, blurred vision, or seizures, seek medical attention immediately. Lithium is an FDA pregnancy Category D drug. If taken during pregnancy, Lithium can harm the fetus. Lithium can also be passed through breast-milk to a nursing baby. Do not take Lithium while you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. While taking Lithium avoid dehydration. Replenish your body with fluids during exercise to decrease the risk of Lithium toxicity. Do not drink too much liquid as it may decrease effectiveness of Lithium. Before taking Lithium, let your doctor know if you:

are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding
are allergic to Lithium
have kidney disease or heart disease
have or have a history of any mental disorders
have a history of fainting
have Brugada syndrome or a family history of Brugada syndrome
have abnormally high or low sodium levels
are taking any other medications

Lithium Treatment and Use

Lithium | Eskalith is a generic antimanic agent medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment and prevention of the side effects of bipolar disorder. Lithium may be used to treat the following symptoms:

hyperactivity
extreme mood changes
hurried speech
inability to focus
poor judgement
lack of need to sleep
aggressive behavior or anger

Lithium may be prescribed to patients to prevent the occurrence or reduce symptoms of manic episodes.

Off-label uses of Lithium include treatment for depression, Grave’s disease (over-activity of the thyroid gland), migraines, and decreasing levels of neutrophils (type of white blood cell) caused by chemotherapy or SIADH.

Lithium is not approved for use in children under the age of 12.

How does Lithium Work?

Lithium is thought to alter neurotransmitters in the brain and interfere with nerve signals, causing a stabilizing effect. This balance leads to an increase in the ability of the brain to function properly and a decrease in abrupt mental changes.

Lithium Dosage Information

Lithium is manufactured as a tablet, capsule, and oral suspension (liquid). Dosage amounts depend on the condition of the patient’s health, medications the patient is currently taking, their overall response to lithium, and treatment type. It is important to get your blood and kidney tested while taking Lithium to ensure that this medication is working effectively. Take Lithium only as prescribed by your doctor. Do not self-adjust your dosage level.

Do not take more Lithium than instructed by your doctor. Lithium can be extremely poisonous to the body if high levels are reached in the blood and can even be fatal. See “Side Effects” tab for signs of Lithium toxicity.

Other Names for Lithium

Brand name:

Eskalith

Eskalith CR

Lithobid

Generic name:

Lithium