Lithium

(LITH ee um)

U.S. Brand Names

Eskalith CR® [DSC]; Eskalith® [DSC]; Lithobid®

Canadian Brand Names

Apo-Lithium® Carbonate; Apo-Lithium® Carbonate SR; Carbolith™; Duralith®; Lithane™; PMS-Lithium Carbonate; PMS-Lithium Citrate

Mexican Brand Names

Carbolit; Litheum 300

Pharmacologic Category

Lithium

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

It is extremely important to follow healthcare provider's instructions about blood tests while taking this medicine.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to lithium or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have any of the following conditions: Dehydration, kidney disease, poor nutritional status, or severe heart disease.

• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

• If you are breast-feeding.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to help depression medicines work better.

• This medicine is used to treat aggressive behavior.

• This medicine is used to treat manic depression.

• This medicine is used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.

How does it work?

• Lithium is a mood stabilizer.

• It works on improving social interactions, mood, expression of mood, as well as, delusions, paranoia, and appearance.

How is it best taken?

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.

• Keep salt intake constant.

• Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

• A liquid (syrup) is available if you cannot swallow pills.

• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

• Stop tube feeding before giving this medicine and restart after giving.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could have more side effects.

• If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider. Some of the medicines and diet used to treat a weakened heart may change the lithium blood level.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.

• If you start on a low salt diet, tell healthcare provider. It will change the way your body handles the lithium.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake. Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, and fast heartbeat.

• Be careful in hot weather. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.

• Shakiness.

• Headache.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Frequent urination.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe dizziness.

• Significant change in balance.

• Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Excessive perspiration or dehydration.

• Feeling extremely tired or weak.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.



Created: 2006-10-13 13:43:17.0

Modified: 2008-04-30 11:12:41.0

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