What are common side effects of lithium carbonate?

What are possible side effects of lithium?

• Headache.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Dizziness or drowsiness.
• Changes in appetite.
• Hand tremors.
• Dry mouth.
• Increased thirst.

Does lithium affect exercise?

Lithium toxicity can cause cardiac arrhythmias, and must be monitored closely. In addition, the effects of hydration and exercise on the lithium level, especially during summer, often are ignored.

What are the 3 main symptoms of lithium toxicity?

Symptoms of lithium toxicity include severe nausea and vomiting, severe hand tremors, confusion, and vision changes. If you experience these, you should seek immediate medical attention to check your lithium levels.

What are the long term side effects of lithium carbonate?

The most concerning side effects of long term lithium use are hypothyroidism and kidney problems. According to a 2015 review article , these side effects are most likely to affect women below the age of 60 years. They are also more common among people with higher-than-average concentrations of lithium in the blood.

Is 300mg of lithium a lot?

Long-term Control: The desirable serum lithium levels are 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/l. Dosage will vary from one individual to another, but usually 300 mg of lithium carbonate t.i.d. or q.i.d., will maintain this level.

How long can you stay on lithium?

If you are just starting lithium treatment, is it recommended that you stay on it for at least 6–12 months. This is to help find out whether it will be an effective treatment for you. If you’ve been completely free of relapses after taking lithium for 3–5 years, you may be able to see if you can manage without it.

Does lithium increase sweating?

The risk of side effects of lithium is increased if you are dehydrated, or if you are excessively hydrated. Excessive sweating or diarrhea may also upset the balance of lithium in the blood.

Does sweating affect lithium levels?

A minority opinion is that lithium lost through the process of sweating may actually lead to lower serum lithium levels (6, 7).

Does lithium change your personality?

Substantial affect and mood changes are induced by lithium carbonate. Lethargy, dysphoria, a loss of interest in interacting with others and the environment, and a state of increased mental confusion were reported. No generalized effects were found in the responses to the personality inventories.

Does taking lithium shorten your life?

At high doses, lithium reduced their lifespan. “We found low doses not only prolong life but also shield the body from stress and block fat production for flies on a high sugar diet,” said co-researcher Dr Ivana Bjedov from the UCL Cancer Institute.

What is a safe lithium level?

A safe blood level of lithium is 0.6 and 1.2 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Lithium toxicity can happen when this level reaches 1.5 mEq/L or higher.

Why is lithium being discontinued?

First-line treatment for bipolar disorder Priadel to be discontinued in UK from April 2021. The planned discontinuation of first-line bipolar disorder treatment Priadel has caused concern that some patients could relapse and face hospitalisation.

Are there any side effects to lithium carbonate ER?

Along with its needed effects, lithium (the active ingredient contained in Lithium Carbonate ER) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

When to take lithium carbonate in the hospital?

Adults: Treatment should be initiated in hospital where regular monitoring of plasma lithium levels can be conducted. The dosage of lithium carbonate should be adjusted to produce a plasma lithium level between 0.6 and 1.0 mmol/l 12 hours after the last dose.

What are the side effects of high lithium levels?

Drowsiness and lack of coordination may be early signs of lithium toxicity, and may occur at lithium levels below 2 mEq/L. Ataxia and giddiness occurred at levels above 2 mEq/L.

When to go to the ER for lithium?

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking lithium: Some side effects of lithium may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.