LITHIUM
Brand names Camcolit, Li-liquid, Liskonum, Litarex, Priadel
Used in the following combined preparation Efalith
GENERAL INFORMATION
The lightest known metal, lithium, has been used since the 1940s in the form of various salts to treat a severe mental disturbance, manic depression. Lithium decreases the intensity and frequency of the episodic swings from extreme excitement to deep depression that are characteristic of the disorder.
Although preferred for mania alone, it is also sometimes used to prevent and treat severe depression. Treatment with lithium may be started in hospital for the more seriously ill.
Careful monitoring is required because high blood levels of lithium can cause serious adverse effects.
Since it may take two to three weeks for any benefit to become apparent, an antipsychotic drug is often given with lithium until the lithium becomes effective.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
Tablets, SR-tablets, liquid.
Frequency and timing of doses
1-3 x daily with meals. Always take the same brand of lithium to ensure a consistent effect; change of brand must be closely supervised.
Adult dosage range
0.25-2g daily. Dosage may vary according to individual response.
Onset of effect
Some effects may be noticed in 3-5 days, but lull benefits may not be felt for 3 weeks.
Duration of action
18-36 hours. Some effect may last for several days.
Diet advice
Lithium levels in the blood are affected by the amount of sodium (present in salt) in the body,so do not suddenly increase or reduce the amount of salt in your diet. Be sure to drink adequate volumes of fluids, especially in hot weather.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 4 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor; symptoms may recur.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
Many of the symptoms below are signs of a high lithium level in the blood. Stop taking
the drug and seek medical advice promptly if you notice any of these symptoms.
INTERACTIONS
General note
Many drugs interact with lithium. Do not take any over-the-counter or prescription drugs without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Paracetamol should be used in preference to other analgesics for everyday pain relief.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Antimanic drug
Overdose danger rating High
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic No
OVERDOSE ACTION
Seek immediate medical advice in all cases. Take emergency action if convulsions or loss of consciousness occur.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have heart or circulation problems. You have an overactive thyroid gland.
You have myasthenia gravis.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Not usually prescribed. May cause defects in the unborn baby. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk and may affect the baby. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Not recommended.
Over 60
Increased likelihood of adverse effects. Reduced dose may therefore be necessary.
Driving and hazardous work
Avoid such activities until you have learned how lithium affects you because the drug can cause reduced alertness.
Alcohol
Avoid. Alcohol may increase the sedative effects of this drug.
PROLONGED USE
Prolonged use may lead to kidney problems. Treatment for periods of longer than 5 years is not normally advised unless the benefits are significant and tests show no sign of reduced kidney function.
Monitoring Regular monitoring of blood levels of the drug and the composition of the blood is usually carried out. Kidney and thyroid function should also be monitored.
