Lithium toxicity.
If you are being treated for a manic illness, you will need to be
extremely careful to follow your doctor’s recommended dosage.
Lithium toxicity is a particular concern because the amount needed
for the drug to work is just slightly less than the toxic amount.
If you think a loved one may have lithium toxicity, you may or may
not be able to tell by looking at him or her. If they look sick,
place or gray, they may have lithium toxicity. People with lithium
toxicity also tend to be in a weakened state.
If you notice signs of lithium toxicity in yourself or a loved
one, call 911, contact your doctor, go to a local emergency room,
drink plenty of water and do not take any more lithium.
According to experts, lithium toxicity happens when levels of
lithium in the blood become too high.
Other, more serious signs of lithium toxicity may resemble a
person in a drunken state and include coma, confusion,
unsteadiness, slurred speech, vomiting, shaking, trembling,
sleepiness, seizures, abdominal pain, muscle twitching, mental
dullness, irregular heartbeats, blurred vision and dizziness.
People with lithium toxicity may gain weight. About 40 percent of
people taking lithium, even if they do not have lithium toxicity,
will feel muscle weakness, fatigue, increased thirst and
urination, hand tremor, nausea and vomiting.
You may prevent lithium toxicity by drinking plenty of water. Have
at least 8 glasses of water every day because if you are
dehydrated it can lead to lithium toxicity. Drink extra water
after exercising or visiting a sauna to prevent lithium toxicity.
Do not use lithium while restricting sodium because a low salt
diet can increase the level of lithium in the blood.
Interestingly, lithium levels change in the blood when you become
ill or when you take other medications. You are at risk for
lithium toxicity if you develop a fever, sweat or lose body fluids
due to an illness.
If you want to prevent lithium toxicity, you will want to see your
doctor for regular blood tests that show how much lithium is in
your blood. By having a blood test done, your doctor can alter
your lithium dosage to prevent lithium toxicity.
Since lithium is excreted through the kidneys, you will need to
watch your sodium intake. Lithium toxicity may occur when your
kidneys are unable to get rid of the right amount of lithium.
There is a greater chance of lithium toxicity if you don’t avoid
diuretics that cause the kidney to excrete sodium and make lithium
levels rise.
Lithium, therefore, is not advised for people with kidney problems
since they are at high risk for lithium toxicity. People with
heart disease and those who restrict sodium in their diets are
also at risk and need to have their blood monitored to prevent
lithium toxicity.
In addition to the dangers of lithium toxicity, lithium has many
other side effects
including weight gain.
Lithium toxicity may be the result of acute ingestion of several
tablets. However, usually, people are not trying to commit suicide
by taking too many pills; they are simply experiencing lithium
toxicity as a side effect of having too much lithium in their
bodies due to a low salt diet, illness or fasting.
Some of the brand names for lithium
include Eskalith, Cibalith, Lithobid and Lithane.
Finally, why would your doctor recommend you take lithium when
there is the risk of lithium toxicity? Typically, lithium evens
out the mood swings experienced by people with psychological
disorders, but it’s only effective for about half of patients with
manic depression. Most drugs are dangerous if taken in excess.
One of the side effects of using lithium, besides lithium
toxicity, is renal failure due to the fact lithium is excreted
through the kidneys. Another side effect is a problem with the
thyroid gland. Be aware your physician may want you to take
lithium as well as a thyroid hormone.
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.
