Lithium Flashcards
What is Lithium?
(Also known as lithium salts or compounds.) Lithium is a type of non-addictive psychiatric medication, specifically a mood stabilizer, used to treat a collection of psychiatric disorders.
Effects
The suppression of aggression, impulsive actions, bipolar disorder, schizophrenic disorders, suicidal tendencies, Alzheimer’s disease, hypnic and cluster headaches, major depressive disorder, mania, and migraines.
Side Effect: Nausea and Vomiting
The following side effect is common (1-10% incidence) to very common (>10% incidence).
Solution: Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. It may be beneficial to take lithium after eating to help prevent feelings of illness. If you are currently sick, take small, frequent sips of water to avoid dehydration.
Side Effect: Diarrhea
The following side effect is common (1-10% incidence) to very common (>10% incidence).
Solution: Drink plenty of of fluids to avoid dehydration. Do not take any other medications to treat diarrhea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
Side Effect: Dry Mouth and Metallic Taste
The following side effect is common (1-10% incidence) to very common (>10% incidence).
Solution: Try sugar-free gum, sweets, or sipping cold drinks. If this does not help, speak to your pharmacist or doctor. Try not to have beverages with a lot of calories, as this might mean you will put on weight.
Side Effect: Hand Tremors
The following side effect is common (1-10% incidence) to very common (>10% incidence).
Solution: Speak to your doctor if this side effect is bothering you or does not go away after a few (~3) days. This symptom can be a sign that the dose is too high for you. Your doctor may alter your dosage or recommend taking your medicine at a different time of day.
Side Effect: Fatigue
The following side effect is common (1-10% incidence) to very common (>10% incidence).
Solution: Any tiredness or exhaustion should wear off within 2 weeks as your body gets accustomed to lithium. Speak to a doctor if this condition carries on for longer; your doctor may either reduce your dose or increase it more slowly. If that does not work, you may need to switch to a different medication.
Side Effect: Vertigo
The following side effect is common (1-10% incidence) to very common (>10% incidence).
Solution: Stop what you are doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. Move slowly and carefully. Do not drink alcohol as it will make your condition worse. Do not drive, ride a bicycle, or use tools or machinery.
Side Effect: Headaches
The following side effect is common (1-10% incidence) to very common (>10% incidence).
Solution: Rest and drink plenty of fluids. It is best not to drink alcohol while taking lithium as this can make headaches worse. Speak to your doctor if your condition is severe.
Side Effect: Constipation
The following side effect is common (1-10% incidence) to very common (>10% incidence).
Solution: Try to apply more fibre into your diet, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, and cereals. Drink several (2-5) glasses of water each day. It may be beneficial to do some gentle exercise. It is likely that you will need to take a laxative to help prevent or treat this condition.
Side Effect: Confusion
The following side effect is common (1-10% incidence) to very common (>10% incidence).
Solution: Speak to your doctor if you feel confused; your dosage may need to be adjusted.
Very Common Side Effects
The following side effects are very common (>10% incidence).
Decreased memory, over-responsive reflexes, elevated white blood cell count, muscle weakness, muscle twitching, increased thirst, kidney issues, increased urination, and weight gain.
Common Side Effects
The following side effects are common (1-10% incidence).
Acne, muscle rigidity, thyroid hormone deficiency, and a partial or complete loss or hair.
Uncommon Side Effects
The following side effects are uncommon (<10% incidence).
Sexual dysfunction, serotonin syndrome, and low blood sugar.
If you are on the right dose and the level of lithium in your blood is right, you may not have any side effects. However, some people may still find that lithium slows down their thinking or makes them feel a bit “numb.”
Overdose
(Also known as toxicity and poisoning.) Stomach ache, nausea and vomiting, gastric distress, blurred vision, extreme thirst, increased urination, little to no control of bodily functions, fatigue, vertigo, confusion, blackouts, muscle twitches and weakness, shaking, and difficulty speaking.
