What is lithium carbonate tablets used for?
Lithium is used to treat and prevent episodes of mania (frenzied, abnormally excited mood) in people with bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disorder; a disease that causes episodes of depression, episodes of mania, and other abnormal moods). Lithium is in a class of medications called antimanic agents.
What is the side effect of lithium carbonate?
Diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, muscular weakness, and lack of coordination may be early signs of lithium intoxication, and can occur at lithium concentrations below 2.0 mEq/L. At higher concentrations, giddiness, ataxia, blurred vision, tinnitus, and a large output of dilute urine may be seen.
Why do you take lithium at night?
If you have kidney problems your doctor will monitor the level of lithium in your blood even more closely and change your dose if necessary. You will usually take your lithium once a day, at night. This is because when you have your regular blood test, you need to have it 12 hours after taking your medicine.
Is it safe to take lithium carbonate?
When taken by mouth: Lithium is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken appropriately with monitoring by a healthcare provider. Lithium carbonate and lithium citrate have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as prescription medications.
How quickly does lithium work?
A reduction in manic symptoms should be noticed within 5 to 7 days but the full therapeutic effect may require 10 to 21 days. Lithium concentrations should be determined immediately before the next dose (ie, 8 to 12 hours after the previous lithium dose).
Does lithium affect your teeth?
Dental Side Effects of Lithium People are more susceptible to particular dental issues when they lack saliva from lithium, such as tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease. The gums and other oral tissue can become red, inflamed, and ulcerated, making it painful to eat and follow a proper oral hygiene regimen.
What are bad side effects of lithium?
What are possible side effects of lithium?
- Headache.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Dizziness or drowsiness.
- Changes in appetite.
- Hand tremors.
- Dry mouth.
- Increased thirst.
Does lithium make you fat?
Approximately 25% of people gain weight from taking lithium, according to a review article published in Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. 1 After analyzing all relevant published medical studies, the authors reported an average weight gain of 10 to 26 pounds among those who experience this troubling side effect.
What can you not take with lithium carbonate?
Avoid over the counter and prescription pain medications that contain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®, Naprosyn®) because these medications can increase the risk of toxicity from lithium.
What is the maximum daily dose of lithium carbonate?
Lithium carbonate are also known by its tradename Eskalith is a medication that is used to treat bipolar mania. The maximum dose per day of this drug is 2400 mg for the intermediate release, and a maximum dose of 1800 mg for the extended release form.
Does lithium carbonate get you High?
Lithium carbonate, prescribed for bipolar disorder, has zero value as a recreational drug, although some people claim to be able to get high on anything. The fact is, if you’re taking it in amounts great enough to feel a “buzz”, you’re poisoning yourself, and causing your sodium and potassium levels to plummet.
What are the side effects of lithium carbonate ER?
Common side effects of lithium carbonate include: hand tremors, increased urination, mild thirst, diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, muscular weakness, lack of coordination, giddiness, weakness, blurred vision, and ringing in the ears.
Is there a generic version of lithium carbonate?
Lithium carbonate is available as both a generic and brand name drug. Brand name is Lithobid. Since the patents on these drugs have expired, generic lithium carbonate is now available. Generic lithium carbonate is available in 300 milligram (mg) capsules and 450 mg extended-release tablets.