Lithium

Lithium a white tablet has been in use since the 1940s and belongs to a group of drugs known as anti-manic and helps those suffering from severe mental disorders, manic depression. Lithium decreases the intensity and the frequency of the episodic swings from extreme excitement to deep depression that are so characteristic of the disorder. It is also used sometimes to treat severe depression, where an antidepressant has failed to work on its own. Treatment may be started in hospital for the more seriously ill. Because high levels of lithium in the blood can cause serious side effects careful monitoring is required. Lithium may take two to three weeks to have an effect so another anti-psychotic drug may be given to cover this time span.

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Quick Guide

• Anti-manic with overdose danger – HIGH.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – YES.
• Available as generic – NO (generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without patent protection.
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES.
• Alcohol may increase sedative effect of lithium.

Side Effects

You may if on this medication suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Diarrhoea, Nausea, Tremor, Vomiting
Rare: Blurred Vision, Drowsiness, Increased Thirst, Lethargy, Muscle Weakness, Rash, Weight Gain, Increase In Passing Urine

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using this medication It does not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

Lithium could lead to kidney problems.Treatment for more than 5 years is not normally advised, unless the benefits out-weigh the negative and tests show no undue kidney damage.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

Avoid driving/hazardous work until you know how lithium affects you. Lithium can cause reduced alertness

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

Lithium may cause defects in the unborn Discuss with your doctor.(not normally prescribed) The drug passes into the breast milk and may affect the baby discuss with your doctor.

Lithium is classified as a pregnancy Category D medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Pregnancy Category D… There is positive evidence of human foetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Surgery Or Dental Procedure

Before any surgery discuss the medication with your doctor or dentist etc. as it may need to be stopped.

Tell Your Doctor Or Pharmacist

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative medication.

See full list of things you should tell your doctor about.»

Over 60′s & Children

There is a likely hood of adverse effects in the over sixties so a reduced dose would be advised. Not recommended for infants or children.

Overdose

Seek immediate medical advice in all cases. Treat as an emergency if convulsions, or loss of consciousness occur.

Other Medication Reactions

Many drugs interact with lithium do not take any over-the-counter or prescription drugs without your doctors/pharmacists knowledge. For every day pain relief paracetamol should be used in preference to other analgesics.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

It is important that you do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor. It is possible that the symptoms will recur.

Effect Of Medication

It is possible that some effects will be felt in 3 to 5 days. It may take 3 weeks before full benefit is felt. The effects may last for 18 to 16 hours. It is also possible for some effects to last for some days.

Storage and Safety

Keep medicine in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach of children. Never take medication that has past the expiry date shown on the box or container. Return all un-used or old medicines to your pharmacist. Do not discard old or unwanted medication into your trash, sink or toilet.

If this medication has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or they feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.

Natural Remedy

Depression can be a natural response to a period of crisis/emotional upset. Sleeping habits often become upset during this period the sufferer getting either to little or to much. If you find yourself in this corner then the Aromatherapist would recommend, Citrus Essences, Clary Sage, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Sandal Wood. Consistant depression, Chronic depression needs professional help. Arrange to see your GP he may be able to put you in touch with a counsellor or a psychotherapist. Mild depression can be helped by aromatherapy…