If you or a loved one has bipolar disorder , you know all too well the challenges of living with it. Managing this complex condition, where emotions suddenly soar and then plummet, is not easy. Lithium is one of the most widely prescribed, most widely used, and most well-studied medications in the world. You may have heard the name before. So today, let's talk about lithium, as if we were talking to a friend.
Why is lithium given for bipolar disorder? How does it work?
Simply put, lithium is a mood stabilizer. There are two main extremes in bipolar disorder. One is a manic period, where you are very active and happy, called mania . The other is a depressive period, where you feel very sad and depressed.
Lithium mainly reduces the severity and frequency of manic episodes. It also helps control and prevent depressive episodes.
Most importantly, research has found that lithium use can significantly reduce the risk of suicide. This is a huge relief for someone living with bipolar disorder .
Although it is not yet known exactly how this drug works, doctors believe that lithium affects our central nervous system , which is the brain and spinal cord. It is currently believed that this drug helps strengthen the connections between nerve cells in the brain that control our mood, thoughts, and behavior.
Things to be careful about when using lithium
Lithium doesn't work right away. It can take several weeks for the medication to take effect in the body. So it's important to be patient.
Your doctor will likely order regular blood tests during this treatment. This is important because lithium can affect your kidneys and thyroid function. These blood tests also check to see if you have the right amount of lithium in your body.
Why is this blood level so important?
Just think, if the lithium level drops below the required level, the medicine will not work properly, and symptoms may reappear. Also, if the lithium level increases above the required level, it can cause toxicity to the body. That is a dangerous situation. That is why the doctor regularly checks the blood to maintain the correct dose and level.
The doctor will also tell you about these things:
- Drink about 8-12 glasses of water or fluids a day.
- Add salt to food as usual.
This is very important because the amount of water you drink and the amount of salt you eat directly affect the level of lithium in your blood. So try to keep the amount of water you drink and the amount of salt you eat consistent throughout the day.
What are the side effects of lithium?
Although not everyone who takes lithium can experience minor side effects, most people do. But don't worry, most of these are minor. Most of these will subside within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.
Most importantly: Do not change your medication dosage at will for any reason. If a side effect seems bothersome, be sure to talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to adjust the dosage a little or suggest a different solution.
The table below lists some of the most common side effects.
| Side Effect | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Hand tremor | Feeling like a little tingling in the hands. Ask your doctor, maybe you can reduce the dosage. |
| Increased thirst for water | Feeling like drinking water frequently. |
| Excessive urination | Needing to urinate more often than usual. |
| Diarrhea or vomiting | Nausea or vomiting. |
| Weight gain | Some people may gain weight after taking the medication for a period of time. |
| Memory and attention deficit | Feeling like you're forgetting things or having trouble concentrating. |
| Drowsiness and muscle weakness | Feeling lifeless and sleepy. |
| Acne or hair loss | Some people may notice an increase in acne or hair loss. |
When should you see a doctor immediately?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign of dangerously high levels of lithium in your blood (lithium toxicity). Therefore, see a doctor or go to a hospital's emergency department (ETU) immediately.
- Persistent diarrhea or vomiting
- Fever
- Stumbling while walking, loss of body control
- Extreme drowsiness, confusion
- Slurred speech
- Heart palpitations
Other important points and risks
- Your medical history: Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions (heart disease, kidney disease, epilepsy) and allergies you have.
- Other medications: Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even vitamins. Especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac) can increase the level of lithium in your blood when taken with lithium. Therefore, do not take any painkillers without first asking your doctor.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Lithium is a drug that can affect the baby during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. So if you are planning to become pregnant or are already pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor about this. You should also discuss with your doctor beforehand whether it is safe to take it while breastfeeding.
- If you miss a dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is less than two hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Lithium is a life-changing medication that can be very helpful in managing bipolar disorder. But it should be used exactly as directed by your doctor, and with great care.
Take-Home Message
- Lithium is a very effective medication that controls the mood swings that occur in bipolar disorder.
- During this treatment, it is mandatory to have blood tests at scheduled intervals to check lithium levels and kidney/thyroid function.
- Drinking enough water and eating a normal amount of salt daily is essential to maintaining stable lithium levels in the blood.
- Never change or stop your lithium dosage without consulting your doctor. Talk to your doctor about side effects.
- If severe symptoms such as severe vomiting, loss of consciousness, or difficulty walking occur, seek medical advice immediately as this may be a sign of poisoning.
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