Lithium Carbonate - Lithium - Oral Brand Drug

General Information

• Below is miscellaneous information regarding Lithium Carbonate.
• Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate, Lithotabs
• LITH-ee-um

Usage Instructions

• Take with food or milk or immediately 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 this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night.
• Drink 8-12 glasses of water or other fluid each day and maintain a regular diet while taking this medication.
• Do not change the amount of salt in your diet unless your doctor tells you to do so.
• This medication must be taken as prescribed.
• Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without consulting your doctor.
• Some conditions may worsen if the medication is suddenly stopped.

Medicinal Applications

• This medication is used to treat manic-depressive disorder (bipolar disorder).
• It works to stabilize the mood and reduces extremes in behavior.

Possible Side Effects

• May cause drowsiness, tiredness, increased thirst, increased frequency of urination, weight gain, and trembling of the hands.
• These should subside as your body adjusts to the medication.
• If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
• Notify your doctor if you develop.

Lithium Carbonate Storage Instructions

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight.
• Do not store in the bathroom.
• Do not freeze liquid forms.

Drug Compatibility Recommendations

• Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you are taking including.

Lithium Carbonate Miscellaneous Notes

• It may take several weeks before the full effects of this medication are noted.
• Your doctor may perform lab tests periodically during treatment with this medication to check how it is working.
• Do not change brands of this medication without checking with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Not all brands are identical.

Warning

• It is very important to have the right amount of lithium in your body because too much of it may lead to unwanted effects such as nausea, diarrhea, shaking of the hands, dizziness, twitching, seizures, slurred speech, confusion, or increased urination.
• Notify your doctor promptly if these effects occur.
• The difference between the correct amount of lithium and too much, is small.
• Therefore, it is important you be monitored closely.

What To Do In Case Of Missed Dose

• If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered unless the next scheduled dose is within 2 hours (or 6 hours for slow-release forms).
• If so, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
• Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Overdose

• If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
• Symptoms of overdose may include diarrhea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, lack of coordination, unusual drowsiness, seizures, tremor, and loss of consciousness.

Read Before Using Lithium Carbonate (precautions)

• Tell your doctor your entire medical history especially if you have.