Are you also someone who uses the drug lithium as a treatment for a mental illness such as bipolar disorder ? Then this article will be very important for you. Lithium is a very successful and effective drug that is given to control such conditions. However, just like two sides of a coin, there is a good side to this and a side that we should be very careful about. That is, if the amount of this drug increases too much in the body, it can lead to toxicity. Today, let's talk about what lithium poisoning is, how it happens, what are the symptoms, and what we should do in such a time.
Why are we given lithium?
Lithium is a medication commonly prescribed by psychiatrists, especially to control mood swings that occur in bipolar disorder. It is a "mood stabilizer," meaning it acts as a mood stabilizer.
Although research is still ongoing into exactly how this drug affects the brain, it is currently accepted that lithium does two main things.
1. Controls manic episodes .
2. It helps maintain a stable mood by influencing the functioning of neurotransmitters in the brain.
But remember, lithium is a very strong drug . Therefore, it should only be used in the exact dosage prescribed by your doctor. Taking too much, either accidentally or intentionally, can cause serious poisoning.
What is the difference between normal side effects and symptoms of poisoning?
There are some common, less serious side effects that can occur when using lithium. However, the symptoms of toxicity are much more serious. It is important to distinguish between the two.
| Common side effects of lithium | Serious warning signs of poisoning |
|---|---|
| |
| Most importantly: If you experience any of the serious symptoms listed on the right side of this table, do not assume it is a normal side effect. See a doctor immediately and have your blood lithium level checked. | |
Main types of lithium poisoning
Lithium poisoning can be divided into three main types.
1. Acute Lithium Toxicity
This occurs when a large dose of lithium is taken suddenly. The symptoms include:
- Weakness in the body
- Increased hand tremors
- Loss of balance, difficulty walking
- Inability to concentrate
- Diarrhea
2. Acute-on-Chronic Toxicity
This happens when lithium levels suddenly increase in someone who has been taking lithium for a long time. Here, both gastrointestinal and neurological problems can occur together.
3. Chronic Lithium Toxicity
This condition can occur when lithium levels in the body increase over time. Symptoms are mainly related to the nervous system. The severity of the symptoms depends on the amount of lithium in the body.
Early symptoms of poisoning - watch out for these!
It's important to recognize lithium poisoning before it becomes severe. If you have one or more of the symptoms below, it could be an early warning sign.
- Loss of appetite, vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent need to urinate
- Inability to control urine and stool
- Dizziness or drowsiness
- Confusion, blackouts
- Body tremors, muscle weakness, jerking, especially uncontrolled twitching of the muscles of the face, tongue, eyes, or neck
- Difficulty speaking, slurring of words
Lithium poisoning mainly affects your kidneys and central nervous system . Initially, there may be only mild confusion, but as the condition worsens, it can lead to delirium, seizures, and even coma.
If you have any of these symptoms, do not delay . Call your doctor immediately. If the situation is urgent, go directly to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. If necessary, you can also call the National Poisons Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. If left untreated, lithium poisoning can be life-threatening.
Treatment and prevention
The best way to prevent this is to be vigilant and constantly monitored .
- Regular tests: It is essential to have your blood lithium levels checked at regular intervals as advised by your doctor. This is how you can know if the lithium levels in your body are within safe limits.
- Be aware of other medications: Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking (even painkillers). Some medications can interfere with the way lithium is removed from the body, potentially causing dangerously high lithium levels.
- Some medications for blood pressure (e.g. ACE inhibitors)
- Pain medications (e.g. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications - NSAIDs)
- Painkillers called COX-2 inhibitors
- Early treatment: If toxicity is detected early, the condition can be managed by reducing the dose of lithium or temporarily stopping it. Other medications (e.g., beta-blockers) may also be given to treat symptoms such as tremors.
In conclusion, lithium is a great drug that can change your life if used properly. But you need to be very careful about your body when using it. Never be afraid to talk to your doctor about any unusual symptoms.
Take-Home Message
- Lithium is a very effective medication for conditions like bipolar disorder, but it can be toxic if the dose increases in the body.
- Distinguish between normal side effects (e.g., mild tremors, thirst) and serious signs of poisoning (e.g., severe tremors, confusion, vision changes ).
- If you notice any early signs of poisoning, do not delay and contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
- It is essential to regularly check your blood lithium levels at regular intervals as recommended by your doctor.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, even painkillers and vitamins, you are taking.
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