AskTried or prescribed Lithium? Share your experience.
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(LITH ee um)
U.S. Brand Names
Lithobid®
Canadian Brand Names
Apo-Lithium® Carbonate; Apo-Lithium® Carbonate SR; Carbolith™; Duralith®; Euro-Lithium; Lithane™; PMS-Lithium Carbonate; PMS-Lithium Citrate
Mexican Brand Names
Carbolit; Litheum 300
Pharmacologic Category
Antimanic Agent
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
• It is extremely important to follow healthcare provider's instructions about blood tests while taking this medicine.
• This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.
Reasons not to take this medicine
• If you have an allergy to lithium or any other part of this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• If you have any of the following conditions: Dehydration, severe kidney disease, poor nutritional status, or severe heart disease.
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
• If you are breast-feeding.
How does it work?
• Lithium is a mood stabilizer.
• It works on improving social interactions, mood, expression of mood, as well as, delusions, paranoia, and appearance.
How is it best taken?
• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.
• Keep salt intake constant.
• Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• A liquid (syrup) is available if you cannot swallow pills.
• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
• Stop tube feeding before giving this medicine and restart after giving.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What should I monitor?
• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.
How should I store this medicine?
• Store at room temperature.
• Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Created: 2005-04-07 16:55:08.0
Modified: 2010-03-09 08:25:36.0
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