Yes, take small frequent meals to maintain nutritional status, take sufficient amounts of fluids 2-3 liters per day to maintain hydration.
lithium-carbonate
This medication is used for the treatment of mania (extreme high energy or mood), manic depressive states, recurrent depression, aggressive and self-mutilating behavior.
Contradications
This medication is contraindictaed in Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency), untreated hypothyroidism, disturbed sodium balance, family history of brugada syndrome (disruptoin of hearts rhythm),
Side effects
Side effects that may occur include drowsiness, tiredness, increased thirst, increased frequency of urination, mild shaking of hands (fine tremor) & weight gain. These effects go away as soon as you adjust to the medicine. But if it persists, then promptly consult your doctor & pharmacist.
You must consult your doctor at once if you experience any serious side effects including: diarrhea, vomiting, unsteady walk, confusion, slurred speech, severe hand trembling, blurred vision & vision changes such as growing blind spot or loss of vision, joint swelling or pain, discoloration of finger/toes, cold hands & feet, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat.
This medicine may increase serotonin but no serious condition occurs like serotonin syndrome. The risk may only increase if you are taking drugs that increase serotonin levels. So keep your doctor updated of all drugs that you take.
Expert Advice
- It is advised to be taken with meals. Taking small courses of regular meals will help maintain nutritional status.
- Diet containing moderate amounts of sodium to be taken, and limit caffeine consumption.
- Slow or extended release tablets or capsules not be chewed or crushed.
- Prescriber to be contacted immediately in case of unrelieved diarrhea, drowsiness, vomiting, sudden changes in urinary volume, muscular tremors, lack of body movement coordination.
- Sufficient amount of fluid intake (2-3 liters/day), unless restricted by prescriber.
FAQs
Should I alter my diet in any way whilst using this medication?
Are there any interactions of this with other medications?
Yes, this medication interacts with diuretics, NSAIDs, phenytoin, carbamezapine, methyldopa and tetracyclines.
When should I contact my prescriber?
Contact your prescriber if there is constant diarrhea, drowsiness, vomiting, abrupt changes in weight, muscular tremors and lack of coordinated body movements.
What is the recommended dosage?
In adults and children greater than 12 years usually 1800mg/day which is divided in 3-4 doses.
How quickly does this medicine work?
It mostly takes several weeks for lithium to start working. The doctor may ask for blood test results during the treatment. As lithium can affect how well your kidney or thyroid functions, if the amount of the medicine is kept at constant levels in the body.
Who should avoid taking Lithium?
Following people should avoid taking this medicine • Having bad infection • Low thyroid hormone levels • Diabetes insipidus • High amounts of calcium in blood. • Low sodium levels • Serious loss of body water • Serotonin syndrome.
Medicines containing lithium-carbonate
Rs.62.59
Rs.31.35
