Has your doctor prescribed lithium for you or someone close to you for bipolar disorder? If so, it is important to be fully informed about this medication. While it is a very useful medication, it is also a medication that requires great care when using. Let's talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.
What is this Lithium?
Simply put, lithium is a mood stabilizer . A person with bipolar disorder may experience sudden fluctuations in their mood, behavior, and thoughts. That is, their mind will oscillate between periods of extreme happiness (mania) and periods of extreme sadness and anxiety (depression).
Think about it, these conditions occur when the activity of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in our brains becomes unbalanced. So what lithium does is balance the activity of these chemicals and help keep your mood stable. This controls that rapid swing between extreme happiness and extreme sadness.
Things to tell your doctor before starting medication
It is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health history. Because lithium can be dangerous when used with certain medical conditions. If you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Information type | What you need to inform |
|---|---|
| Heart disease and blood circulation | If you have heart disease, a history of heart rhythm irregularities, or a condition such as Brugada Syndrome. |
| Kidneys and body fluids | Kidney disease, dehydration (e.g. due to diarrhea or excessive sweating), a low-salt diet, low potassium or sodium levels in the blood. |
| Other illnesses | Diseases of the thyroid or parathyroid glands, breathing difficulties, difficulty urinating, an existing infection in the body, and increased calcium levels in the blood. |
| Personal conditions and allergies | If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, if you are breastfeeding, or if you have had an allergic reaction to lithium or any other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
The dose of this medicine is very important. Therefore, it is essential to take the prescribed amount, exactly as the doctor tells you.
- Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Extended-Release means that the medicine is released into the body gradually, so the tablet should be swallowed whole.
- Take the medicine after a meal or with a snack to avoid stomach upset.
- Try to take the medicine at the same time every day.
- Never take more than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can cause serious side effects.
- Do not stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Treat this as an emergency.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
Other medications that may interact with lithium
You should tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, traditional medicines, vitamins, and even supplements, because some medications can interact with lithium.
In particular, the following medications should never be taken with lithium:
- Cisapride
- Dronedarone
- Pimozide
- Thioridazine
In addition, lithium can also react with the following:
- Caffeine-containing beverages (coffee, tea, cola)
- Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - e.g. Ibuprofen, Naproxen
- Water pills (Diuretics)
- Some medications for high blood pressure
- Some medications for conditions such as depression
- Medicines given to relax muscles during surgery
- Antiepileptic drugs such as Carbamazepine and Phenytoin
- Antibiotics such as Metronidazole
- Some diabetes medications - e.g. SGLT2 inhibitors
- Herbal products such as St. John's Wort
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Special considerations when taking lithium
Salt and Water Balance
This is the most important thing to pay attention to when taking lithium. Remember, the amount of salt (sodium) and water in your body are the two main factors that control lithium levels.
- Eat a diet with a moderate amount of salt. Avoid suddenly going on a low-salt diet without your doctor's advice.
- Drink plenty of water. If you have diarrhea or are sweating a lot (from exercise, hot weather), you need to drink extra water. This is because when water and salt are lost from the body, lithium levels in the blood can become dangerously high.
- Limit caffeinated beverages. Things like coffee and tea cause your body to lose more water.
Driving and operating machinery
This medicine may make you feel dizzy, drowsy, and may slow your reaction time. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Regular medical checkups
When taking lithium, your doctor will often tell you to check your blood lithium levels. Never skip these blood tests. Keeping your blood lithium levels within the therapeutic range is the most important thing for safety.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, lithium can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Lithium toxicity | Diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, difficulty walking, inability to control the eyes, hearing noises in the ears, muscle weakness, slurred speech, confusion. |
| Serotonin syndrome | Confusion, rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, fever, seizures. |
| Other serious symptoms | Changes in heart rate (dizziness, chest pain), excessive thirst and urination, severe headaches along with changes in vision. |
| Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Dizziness | This may occur until the body gets used to the medication. |
| Fatigue | Feeling a little tired. |
| Nausea | This can be reduced by taking the medicine with food. |
| Tremors | Slight hand tremors may occur. |
Take-Home Message
- Lithium is a very useful drug, but it should be used with great care. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Never skip scheduled blood tests. It is essential to keep your blood lithium levels in check.
- Keep your body's salt and water levels balanced. Drink plenty of water. Drink extra water when you sweat a lot or have diarrhea.
- Be aware of the symptoms of lithium toxicity (diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, slurred speech). Seek medical advice immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
- Avoid changing the dosage or stopping the medication without your doctor's advice.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න