Generic name: lithium [ LITH-ee-um ]
Brand names: Lithobid, Eskalith, Lithonate, Lithotabs, Eskalith-CR
Drug class:Antimanic agents
What is lithium?
Lithium affects the flow of sodium through nerve and muscle cells in the body. Sodium affects excitation or mania.
Lithium a mood stabilizer that is a used to treat or control the manic episodes of bipolar disorder (manic depression). Manic symptoms include hyperactivity, rushed speech, poor judgment, reduced need for sleep, aggression, and anger.
Lithium also helps to prevent or lessen the intensity of manic episodes.
Lithium is for use in adults and children at least 7 years old.
Warnings
Do not use lithium without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Lithium toxicity can cause death. Lithium is a medicine with a narrow range of safety and toxicity can occur if you take only slightly more than a recommended dose.
Stop using lithium and call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of lithium toxicity: muscle weakness, twitching, drowsiness, feeling light-headed, mood changes, blurred vision, ringing in your ears, irregular heartbeats, confusion, slurred speech, clumsiness. trouble breathing, or seizures.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Drink extra fluids to keep from getting dehydrated while you are taking this medication.
Tell your doctor if you have been sweating excessively, or if you are sick with fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the t...
