Lithium

Lithium is a medication that alters the flow of sodium in the body. Lithium therapy is used to treat patients with manic depression, specifically to treat or prevent the manic episodes associated with this disorder. Other uses of Lithium may be possible, but are not as common. Lithium is the generic name for such brand name drugs as Lithonate and Lithobid. Lithium is also prescribed in compound forms called Lithium Orotate and Lithium Carbonate.

Minor lithium side effects such as hair loss, nausea, or itching. These side effects should be mentioned to your doctor, but are usually rather mild. Major side effects of Lithium, however, such as fainting, hallucinations, and seizure, require emergency medical care, as do allergic reactions. Lithium is a class "D" drug, so it should never be taken by pregnant or nursing women. You should use an effective form of birth control while taking Lithium, but if it fails and you become pregnant anyway, tell your doctor right away. Patients who have kidney, heart, or thyroid disease, and certain other medical conditions, may be advised against taking Lithium. Discuss your medical history with your doctor before he or she prescribes Lithium for you. Certain medications, like ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs, and antidepressants like Prozac, may not be able to be taken along with Lithium. Tell your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, including over the counter drugs and vitamin or herbal supplements, to avoid serious drug interactions.

Follow your Lithium prescription exactly, to avoid possible overdose. Signs of an overdose include diarrhea, tremors, or ringing in your ears. Lithium overdose is a serious condition which must be treated immediately. Repeated overdoses of Lithium may also lead to interstitial nephritis, a serious kidney disorder.

Taking Lithium may cause you to become dangerously dehydrated. This is especially true in hot weather, or during physical exertion. You should take care to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day to stay hydrated.

You should never take Lithium unless you are under a doctor's care. Your kidney function will need to be regularly tested, to ensure Lithium is not adversely affecting your kidneys. Also, your doctor will want to monitor you frequently to see if your Lithium dosage needs to be adjusted. You may find pictures of Lithium in its various doses and forms online, as well as many interesting facts about Lithium. But always remember that your doctor is the best source of information for your particular history and current condition, so information found online should be verified with him or her.