What are the dangers of lithium?

Answer 1

Lithium is used as a mood stabilizer, predominantly to treat Bipolar disorder. It is usually dosed so as to maintain therapeutic blood levels between 0.5 and 1.0.

Lithium decreases irritability and instability of mood and, epidemiologically, is one of the few medications which decreases suicidal thinking.

Answer 2

=== === All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Lithium: Mild hand tremor; mild thirst; temporary, mild nausea and general discomfort at the beginning of treatment. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Lithium: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision; confusion; diarrhea; drowsiness; excessive weight gain; fainting; giddiness; inability to control the bladder or bowels; increased thirst; increased or decreased urination; involuntary twitching or muscle movements; loss of consciousness; loss of coordination; muscle weakness; persistent headache; persistent or severe nausea; ringing in the ears; seizures; slow or irregular heartbeat; slurred speech; swelling of the ankles or wrists; unsteadiness; vision changes; vomiting.

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Lithium Controlled-Release and Extended-Release Tablets: Mild hand tremor; mild thirst; temporary, mild nausea and general discomfort at the beginning of treatment. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Lithium Controlled-Release and Extended-Release Tablets: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision; confusion; diarrhea; drowsiness; excessive weight gain; fainting; giddiness; inability to control the bladder or bowels; increased thirst; increased or decreased urination; involuntary twitching or muscle movements; loss of consciousness; loss of coordination; muscle weakness; persistent headache; persistent or severe nausea; ringing in the ears; seizures; slow or irregular heartbeat; slurred speech; swelling of the ankles or wrists; unsteadiness; vision changes; vomiting.

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Lithium Syrup: Mild hand tremor; mild thirst; temporary, mild nausea and general discomfort at the beginning of treatment. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Lithium Syrup: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision; confusion; diarrhea; drowsiness; excessive weight gain; fainting; giddiness; inability to control the bladder or bowels; increased thirst; increased or decreased urination; involuntary twitching or muscle movements; loss of consciousness; loss of coordination; muscle weakness; persistent headache; persistent or severe nausea; ringing in the ears; seizures; slow or irregular heartbeat; slurred speech; swelling of the ankles or wrists; unsteadiness; vision changes; vomiting.

Answer 3

When you first start taking lithium, you may have some nausea and diarrhea as your body gets used to the medicine. You might feel a little tired. You may also have a slight tremor in your arms and hands. These symptoms will go away within a few days. Lithium controls the mood swings and keeps you from "swinging" too high or too low. Many bipolars miss that high, and think that lithium is taking away their creativity. However, it just takes the wild, out-of-control part away - the creativity is still there!

Answer 4

The main concern is a return of your previous symptoms. However, physically you may experience dizziness, trouble concentrating, or other withdrawal related aggravations. I have stopped my lithium cold turkey (900mg/day) and have not experienced any withdrawals. I suspect I am not truly bipolar however, and believe I was misdiagnosed which may explain why I am not experiencing old symptoms.

You should consult your psychiatrist before stoppage though.

Suicide risk increases heavily when a person stops lithium.

Gradually getting off the med is best.

Answer 5

pretty much nothing becaulse lithium is a salt. make sure that you drink plenty of water tho...