Lithium carbonate
Introduction To Lithium carbonate
Lithium carbonate is used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and mania in adults. It is sometimes used to treat other behavioral disorders as well. It reduces the frequency of manic episodes and decreases the intensity of those episodes that might occur.
Lithium carbonate should be taken with food. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. You should continue to take this medicine for as long as the doctor advises and do not stop taking it suddenly as it may result in harmful effects.
Side effects associated with the use of this medicine include tremors, slurred speech, uncoordinated body movements, nausea, acne, increased white blood cell count, and memory impairment. It may also cause hair loss, enlarged thyroid gland, skin rash, and increased thirst. This medicine may also cause weight gain and to control it, you should have a balanced diet and exercise regularly. If you have been taking this medicine for a long time then regular monitoring of thyroid and kidney function may be required.
Uses of Lithium carbonate
- Mania
- Bipolar disorder
Benefits of Lithium carbonate
Mania
Mania means extremely excited or elevated mood. Lithium carbonate helps calm the mood
and relax the nerves. This stabilises the mood and prevents the symptoms of
mania from recurring again. Taking Lithium carbonate will ensure that you have a
better social life and are able to do daily activities more comfortably.
Bipolar disorder
Lithium carbonate works to restore the normal balance of nerve activity in your
brain. It can help prevent extreme changes in mood and help you feel less
agitated. You may experience fewer episodes of low mood. It can take several
weeks for this medicine to work and you may still feel low during this time.
It is likely that you will take this medicine for at least six months but
possibly much longer. It needs to be taken regularly to work effectively. Do
not stop taking it unless your doctor advises you to. You should continue to
eat well and keep fit to reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Side effects of Lithium carbonate
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Lithocap
- Tremors
- Slurred speech
- Uncoordinated body movements
- Nausea
- Acne
- Increased white blood cell count
- Memory impairment
- Hair loss
- Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)
- Skin rash
- Increased thirst
- Weight gain
- Polyuria
- Diarrhea
How to use Lithium carbonate
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Lithium carbonate is to be taken with food.
How Lithium carbonate works
Lithium carbonate works by suppressing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Quick tips
-
Lithium carbonate is one of the most effective long-term treatment for bipolar disorder.
-
It may also be used for the treatment of mania.
-
Your lithium blood levels, thyroid function, and kidney function may be monitored as long as you take this medicine.
-
It may cause diarrhea and dehydration. Drink plenty of water and and use normal amounts of salt. Inform your doctor if you start or stop a low-salt diet.
-
Monitor your weight during treatment as Lithium carbonate can cause weight gain.
-
Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
-
Inform your doctor if you have persistent stomach upset, problems with your speech, or extreme drowsiness. Your dose may need to be adjusted.
-
Do not take Lithium carbonate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
-
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Lithium carbonate if I’m pregnant?
Lithium carbonate is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Lithium carbonate if I’m breastfeeding?
Lithium carbonate is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Lithium carbonate safe?
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Lithium carbonate.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Lithium carbonate?
Lithium carbonate may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive. Lithium carbonate may make you feel sleepy, tired or dizzy. Lithium carbonate may also cause other effects that can make it dangerous to drive such as numbness, paralysis, weakness or fits (seizures).
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Lithium carbonate if I have/had kidney diseases?
Lithium carbonate should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Lithium carbonate may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Lithium carbonate is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease.
LiverSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Lithium carbonate if I have/had liver diseases?
Lithium carbonate is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Lithium carbonate may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How quickly does Lithium carbonate work?
It takes some time before you see improvement in your symptoms after taking Lithium carbonate. Though it varies from person to person, it may take 1-3 weeks or longer for you to see the full benefits of Lithium carbonate. Do not stop taking Lithium carbonate if you feel you are not improving. Instead, discuss it with your doctor.
Q. Does Lithium carbonate make you sleepy?
Yes, Lithium carbonate can cause nervous system disorders like sleepiness and dizziness and feeling confused. It can also cause rapid eye movements, blurred vision, or blind spots in your eyesight. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor. In addition, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery as it can be hazardous for you.
Q. Is Lithium carbonate bad for kidneys?
Yes, Lithium carbonate may cause kidney problems. Lithium carbonate is not prescribed in patients who already have severe kidney impairment. The kidney problems may not be reversible and the symptoms include swollen ankles, passing a lot of urine and feeling thirsty. Before starting treatment with Lithium carbonate, your doctor will get blood tests done to see if your kidney function is normal. During Lithium carbonate therapy, any gradual or sudden changes in renal function, even within the normal range, may indicate the need for re-evaluation of treatment.
Q. Can Lithium carbonate cause gain in weight?
Lithium carbonate can cause both weight gain or weight loss. You should keep a check on your weight during Lithium carbonate therapy. If you feel you are gaining or losing too much weight, consult your doctor who will assess whether the change in weight is due to Lithium carbonate or some other reason.
Q. What is the most important information I should know about Lithium carbonate?
Lithium carbonate therapy should only be started if adequate facilities for assessing Lithium carbonate levels are available. This is because Lithium carbonate toxicity is related to increased levels of Lithium carbonate in blood. Lithium carbonate toxicity can even occur at dose which is effective for treatment. Therefore, your doctor may closely monitor your Lithium carbonate levels weekly until stabilization is achieved, then weekly for one month and then at monthly intervals thereafter.
Q. How should Lithium carbonate be taken?
Take Lithium carbonate exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Check with your doctor if you are not sure. It is meant for oral administration and can be taken with or without food. However, if you start following a certain type of diet, talk to your doctor first. Any drastic changes in the amount of water you drink or amount of sodium (salt) in your diet may require more frequent monitoring of Lithium carbonate levels.
Q. Which medicines decrease Lithium carbonate levels?
You should inform your doctor about the medicines you are taking before starting Lithium carbonate since many medicines interfere with the working of Lithium carbonate. Some medicines decrease the levels of Lithium carbonate in blood which means that it will not work well. These include theophylline (for asthma), caffeine, anything containing sodium bicarbonate, or a special group of diuretics (water tablets) called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and urea used to treat skin conditions.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
MediClap strives to make its website accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Should you encounter any difficulty accessing this website, kindly send an email to hello@mediclap.com to enable us to provide the necessary services through alternative means.
MediClap is not affiliated with nor sponsored by any of the third-party brands mentioned. All trademarks, brands, logos, and copyrights mentioned remain the sole property of their respective owners.