Brand Names: Eskalith, Eskalith CR, Lithobid, Lithonate, Lithotabs
Generic Name: lithium
What is Lithium used for? Lithium is a naturally occurring substance that
reduces chemicals in the body that cause excitation or mania. Lithium is
used to treat manic episodes of manic-depressive illness. Lithium also
helps control symptoms of mania such as hyperactivity, poor judgment,
aggression, and anger.
General Lithium Precautions:
_ Call your doctor if you experience the early signs of lithium toxicity
including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, slurred speech, extreme
drowsiness, or weakness.
_ Do not change the amount of salt that you consume in your diet.
Consuming more or less salt could change the amount of lithium in your
blood.
_ Lithium may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid
driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
_ Rise slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position to prevent
dizziness or possible falls.
_ Do not take Lithium if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
within the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction can occur if
combined with MAO inhibitors.
_ It is not known whether Lithium will harm an unborn baby or a nursing
baby.
_ Lithium may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. Patients using
Lithium should exercise caution until they have adapted to therapy.
_ If you skip the missed dose and take only the next one as directed. Do
not take a double dose of Lithium. Overdose is possible.
Lithium in pharmaceutical form can cause serious side effects. Only you
can decide if pharmaceutical lithium is the best means of treating
depression symptoms. It is important for people currently taking Lithium
to discuss side effect concerns with their physician.
Lithium Side Effects:
_ Blurred vision.
_ Eye pain.
_ Diarrhea.
_ Nausea.
_ Slurred speech.
_ Extreme drowsiness.
_ Weakness.
_ Confusion.
_ Involuntary movements.
_ Ringing in the ears.
_ Fine hand tremor.
_ Increase in thirst or urination;
_ Skin rash.
_ Headache.
_ Dizziness.
_ Swollen feet or hands.
_ Weight gain.
_ Anxiety.
_ Dry mouth.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience: An allergic reaction
(difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips,
face, or tongue; or hives). Stop taking Lithium and contact your doctor
immediately or seek emergency medical treatment if you also experience
confusion, involuntary movements, blurred vision, eye pain, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, slurred speech, extreme drowsiness, weakness, or
ringing in the ears. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience
yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Symptoms of overdose may include: Symptoms of a Lithium overdose include
diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, giddiness, blurred vision, ringing in the
ears, drowsiness, weakness, decreased coordination, and seizures.
Before taking Lithium, tell your doctor if you have or have had:
_ Seizures.
_ Liver disease.
_ Kidney disease.
_ A history of mania or bipolar disorder.
_ Suicidal thoughts.
What should I avoid while taking Lithium?
_ Use alcohol cautiously while taking Lithium. Alcohol may increase
drowsiness and dizziness.
What other drugs will affect Lithium? Lithium can increase the effects of
many other drugs, leading to serious side effects. If taking Lithium,
talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or
over-the-counter medicines. Do not take Lithium with the following
medicines without your doctor’s approval:
_ Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as ibuprofen,
naproxen, indomethacin, oxaprozin, piroxicam, nabumetone, and others
_ Diuretics.
_ Angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
_ Calcium channel blockers containing diltiazem or verapamil.
_ Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants
_ Seizure medications containing carbamazepine.
_ Acetazolamide.
_ Haloperidol.
_ Metronidazole.
_ Theophylline.
_ Drugs other than the above listed may also interact with Lithium. Talk
to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription,
over-the-counter medicines or natural supplements.
People seeking depression relief should carefully evaluate Lithium
information and side effects before deciding to take Lithium. Consult
your healthcare professional before using Lithium.
The natural antidepressant Deprex is a safe and effective depression
treatment scientifically formulated to elevate mood without the
potentially harmful side effects commonly associated with Lithium.
Self-help techniques, psychotherapy, diet and lifestyle changes or a
combination of approaches have also successfully worked at treating
depression.
If you want to eliminate depression and start living a more fulfilling
and satisfying life without the cost or side effects of prescription
depression medications, Deprex is perfect for you. Safely order Deprex
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*This antidepressant drug information does not endorse Lithium, diagnose
patients or recommend therapy. The information contained herein is not
intended to cover all possible warnings, uses, precautions, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse side effects of Lithium. If
you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your
health care provider or pharmacist. The information provided should not
be construed to indicate that Lithium is safe, effective or appropriate.
Do not stop taking Lithium without first talking to your doctor. Your
doctor may need to gradually reduce the dose before stopping Lithium
completely. Suddenly stopping Lithium may cause unpleasant and
potentially serious side effects.