Lithium

Lithium is a drug that is quite popular in the market, and in the public, in general. Even if you are not under Lithium medication, you have probably heard of Lithium at one point or another.

But what is Lithium exactly for? What are the uses of Lithium? The drug Lithium is primarily for modulating the flow of sodium inside your body. Sodium goes through the body’s nerve and muscle cells, in this case. The effect of sodium is actually related to mania. Through Lithium therapy, the levels of sodium are actually regulated, to thwart the incidence of manic episodes. Manic episodes are classic symptoms of manic-depressive disorders. The symptoms of mania include hyperactivity, insomnia, rushed speech, anger, and aggression. Through Lithium therapy, manic episodes are lessened.

Before taking Lithium, there are a number of things to consider. First off, you should not take Lithium if you are allergic to any of its components. Consult your physician to determine whether or not you’re allergic to Lithium.

There are also certain medical conditions in which taking Lithium would only worsen them. These medical conditions include heart disease, underactive thyroid, kidney disease, and hyponatremia, or low sodium levels in the blood. If you have any of the mentioned medical conditions, you should inform your physician right away. Your Lithium dosages just might need some adjustment. You might even need to be in a hospital, in order for Lithium to be administered.

Also, if you are pregnant or nursing, you should not take Lithium. Lithium can cause serious birth defects to your unborn baby. Lithium should not be taken by nursing mothers as well, for it can be transmitted through breast milk, and can cause harmful effects as well.

Allergic reactions are very common Lithium side effects. These allergic reactions include facial swelling, breathing difficulties, and hives. Should these Lithium side effects occur, inform your physician right away. You just might need to stop Lithium therapy right away, and only your physician can determine this.

Other serious side effects of Lithium include extreme cases of thirst and urination, fatigue, restlessness, vision problems, facial tics, muscle joint pains, especially in the extremities, slow heart rate, hallucinations, and even seizures. As always, if any of these side effects occur, contact your physician right away.

The less serious side effects of Lithium don’t really require the stoppage of Lithium therapy. These side effects include mild tremors, mild nausea, stomach pains, appetite loss, weakness or fatigue, skin itches, and thinning of the hair. These less serious side effects of Lithium don’t warrant the stoppage of the treatment. However, you would still need to inform your physician, should these be manifested. You never know for sure when these mild side effects are no longer mild. It would always be better to get the opinion of your physician.

When you take Lithium, there are a number of drugs that you cannot take it with. One of these is Prozac. The combination of Prozac and Lithium can lead to your serum levels to become unpredictable. If you are taking Prozac, then be sure to inform your physician about this before taking Lithium. Your physician will determine whether your condition warrants the stoppage of Prozac, for you to take Lithium. Should you be fit enough to take the two drugs together, you will probably be asked to have regular checks on your serum levels.

Some of the drugs that can affect Lithium therapy include Acetazolamide, Aminophylline, Theophylline, Sodium Bicarbonate, Carbamazepine, Metronidazole, Sodium Potassium Iodide, Diltiazem, Verapamil, or diuretics. If you are taking any of these drugs, do inform your physician before taking Lithium.

Lithium is a very serious drug, and should not be taken without serious consideration. Be sure to keep in mind the Lithium facts discussed. Also, address whatever concerns you have about the drug to your physician right away.