Mood stabiliser (lithium)

Question 1

in which form is lithium given normally?

Answer 1

lithium carbonate

Question 2

MOA of lithium?

Answer 2

• block phosphatidylinositol pathway (second messenger system)
• inhibit glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta
• modulate NO signalling

Question 3

how should lithium be monitored?

Answer 3

• 12 hour post dose (cause of narrow therapeutic index)

Question 4

target range for lithium?

Answer 4

0.4-1.0mmol/l

Question 5

side effects of lithium?

Answer 5

• dry mouth
• strange taste
• polydipsia
• polyuria
• tremor
• hypothyroidism
• long term reduced renal function
• nephrogenic DI
• weight gain