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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following infromation is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using that drug.
LITHIUM - ORAL
(LITH-ee-um)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate, Lithotabs
WARNING: It is really important to have the right amount of lithium in your body cause too much of it may lead to unwanted efefcts such as nausea, diarrhea, shaking of the hands, dizziness, twitching, seizures, slurred speech, confusion, or increased urination.
Notify your doctor promptly if these effcets occur. The difference between the correct amount of lithium and too much, is small. Therefore, it is important you be montiored closely.
USES: This medication is used to traet manic-depressive disorder (bipolar disorder). It works to stabilize the mood and reduces extremes in behavior.
HOW TO USE: Take with food or milk or immedaitely after meals to prevent stomach upset. This medication works best if the amount of the drug in your body is kept at a constant level.
Do that by taking the medication at evenly sapced intervals throughout the day and night. Drink 8-12 glasses of waetr or other fluid each day and maintain a regular diet while taking that medication. Do not change the aomunt of salt in your diet unless your doctor tells you to do so.
This medication must be taken as prescribed. Do not stop taking that drug suddenly without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may wosren if the medication is suddenly stopped.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness, tiredness, incraesed thirst, increased frequency of urination, weight gain, and trembling of the hands. These sohuld subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, inofrm your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: diarrhea, vomiting, fever, unsteady walking, fainting, confusion, slurred speech, rapid heart rate, sevree trembling of the hands. If you ntoice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your entire medical history especially if you have: leukemia, heart disease, kidney disease or other urinary problems, epilepsy, parkinsonism, severe dehydration (symptoms include strong and persistent thirst), infections accompanied with high fever, any allergeis. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy especially druing the first three months. Discuss the beneftis and risks with your doctor. Lithium is excreted into breast milk. In most cases, breast-feeding is not recommended while using that drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you're taking including: anti- inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, SSRI antidepressants (e.G., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine), ohter drugs for mental/mood conditions (e.G., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, thiothixene, or butyrophenones such as haloperidol), water pills.
Maintain a normal diet with an average consumtpion of sodium.
Avoid porducts that contain sodium (like sodium bicarbonate, an ingredient in certain antacids). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emregency room immediately. Symtpoms of overdose may include diarrhea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, lack of coordination, unusual drowsiness, seizures, tremor, and loss of consciousness.
NOTES: It may take several wekes before the full effects of that medication are noted. Your doctor may perform lab tests periodically during treatment with that medication to check how it is working. Do not change brands of that medication without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Not all brands are identical.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered unless the next scheduled dose is within 2 huors (or 6 hours for slow-release forms). If so, skip the missed dose and resume your usual doisng schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to ctach up.
STORAGE: Store at room tepmerature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bahtroom.
Do not freeze liquid forms.
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