Side Effects of Lithium.
Lithium is a naturally occurring
substance that reduces chemicals in the body that cause excitation
or mania. Lithium is used to treat manic episodes of
manic-depressive illness. Lithium also helps control symptoms of
mania such as hyperactivity, poor judgment, aggression, and anger.
Each individual will experience Lithium side effects differently.
This list of Lithium side effects might not cover all adverse side
effects of Lithium.
Weight gain is a common
Lithium side effect. Lithium has been linked to drug-induced
stuttering. When taking lithium, there is a danger of developing
lithium toxicity.
People seeking depression relief should carefully evaluate Lithium
side effects before deciding to take Lithium. Consult your
healthcare professional about Lithium side effects before using
this drug. The natural antidepressant Deprex is a safe and
effective depression treatment scientifically formulated to
elevate mood without the potentially harmful side effects commonly
associated with Lithium. Self-help techniques, psychotherapy, diet
and lifestyle changes or a combination of approaches have also
successfully worked at treating depression.
Lithium in pharmaceutical form can cause serious side effects.
Only you can decide if pharmaceutical lithium is the best means of
treating depression symptoms. It is important for people currently
taking Lithium to discuss side effect concerns with their
physician.
Lithium Side Effects:
_ Blurred vision.
_ Eye pain.
_ Extreme drowsiness.
_ Nausea.
_ Slurred speech.
_ Involuntary movements.
_ Weakness.
_ Confusion.
_ Diarrhea.
_ Ringing in the ears.
_ Fine hand tremor.
_ Dizziness.
_ Skin rash.
_ Headache.
_ Swollen feet or hands.
_ Weight gain.
_ Increase in thirst or urination;
_ Anxiety.
_ Dry mouth.
An allergic reaction is a possible Lithium side effect. Stop
taking Lithium and contact your doctor immediately or seek
emergency medical treatment if you experience difficulty
breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, face, or
tongue, hives, confusion, involuntary movements, blurred vision,
eye pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, slurred speech, extreme
drowsiness, weakness, or ringing in the ears. Contact your doctor
immediately if you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Do not stop taking Lithium without first talking to your doctor.
Your doctor may need to gradually reduce the dose before stopping
Lithium completely. Suddenly stopping Lithium may cause unpleasant
and potentially serious side effects.
*This antidepressant drug information does not
endorse Lithium, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. The
information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible
warnings, uses, precautions, drug interactions, allergic
reactions, or adverse side effects of Lithium. If you have
questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your health
care provider or pharmacist. The information provided should not
be construed to indicate that Lithium is safe, effective or
appropriate.
