McInnis MG. Lithium for bipolar disorder: A re-emerging treatment for mood instability. Side effects of Librium and Eskalith that are similar include nausea and vomiting. Lithium is taken by mouth. Lithium helps reduce the severity and frequency of mania. Learn more about Zoloft and bipolar … These side effects usually subside with continued treatment or with a temporary reduction or cessation of dosage. Muscle twitching or cramps, feelings of restlessness, or a pins-and-needles feeling in your skin. Dealing With Ups and Downs of Bipolar Disorder? Lithium-induced diabetes insipidus: Prevention and management. Lithium is a drug developed from a naturally occurring element often prescribed as a mood stabilizer for patients with bipolar disorder. Lithium is sold under many brand names, including Duralith, Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithotabs, Lithane, Lithizine, and Lithonate. "Massachusetts General Hospital Bipolar Clinic & Research Program. Bipolar disorder medications can have different effects. If a person is not treated, episodes of bipolar-related mania can last for between 3 and 6 months. Lithium also helps prevent future manic and depressive episodes. That said, properly monitored, lithium can be safe as well as effective in controlling moods. Bipolar disorder is often referred to by the older term “manic depression.” The condition affects over 5.7 million adult Americans , according to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. Lithium acts on a person's central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). -Mania is characterized by pressure of speech, motor hyperactivity, reduced sleep requirements, flight of ideas, grandiosity, elation, poor judgment, aggressiveness, and/or hostility. Make sure your doctor knows about all other drugs you are taking. Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) is one of the most widely used and studied medications for treating bipolar disorder. Sometimes, side effects of lithium can be relieved by tweaking the dose. Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Mood Disorders: How to Recognize and Treat Them, Slideshow: Famous People With Bipolar Disorder. 2013;12(7):42-45, Shorter E. The history of lithium therapy. When I first got on, I noticed it felt like my legs were giving out when I was walking. 2. Less Common: Fainting; fast o… Steps to Prevent Suicide if You Have Bipolar Disorder, Hand tremor (If tremors are particularly bothersome, dosages can sometimes be reduced, or an additional medication can help. Lithium. They may become less troublesome after a few weeks as your body adjusts to the drug. ). Updated January 27, 2020. Should You Take Symbyax for Your Bipolar Disorder? Read our, Medically reviewed by Daniel B. As a result, it may be prescribed for long periods of time (even between episodes) as maintenance therapy. If you are having any problems, talk to your doctor about your options. If you are having any problems, talk to your doctor about your options. Always feeling tired? “Lithium salts are toxic; the difference between a helpful dose and toxic dose is small” (Stanford). If you miss a dose of lithium, take it as soon as you remember it -- unless the next scheduled dose is within two hours (or six hours for slow-release forms). Although increased thirst and increased urine output are very common side effects of lithium, it's important to tell your doctor if you have them. Common lithium side effects may include: dizziness, drowsiness; tremors in your hands; trouble walking; dry mouth, increased thirst or urination; nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; rash; or blurred vision. J Psychiatry Neurosci. Psychiatric assessment. Rarely, serious side effects can occur. If you experience any of the following side effects, be sure to call your doctor right away or get emergency medical attention. 1970). Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. It is important that the lithium level in your body not be too low or too high. Diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, muscular weakness, and lack of coordination may be early signs of lithium intoxication, and can occur at lithium concentrations below 2.0 mEq/L. It usually takes several weeks for lithium to begin working. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Your doctor may do a physical exam and lab tests to identify any medical problems that could be causing your symptoms. All rights reserved. Lithium can be a safe and effective treatment option for those with bipolar disorder or other types of mood disorder. Sleepiness is a common side effect of taking medications for bipolar disorder. Episodes of depression tend to last longer, often 6 to 12 months. Some individuals who use the drug complain of hair loss. Lithium-induced diabetes insipidus: Prevention and management, Taking your medication with food to avoid abdominal upset or nausea, Using an anti-diarrheal medication for a time, until your system adjusts to the lithium, Taking doses throughout the day instead of using an extended-release form, Sucking on a sugar-free lozenge to relieve dry mouth, Potentially having your dose lowered if side effects do not decrease. 2002;27(5):392, Andreasen A, Ellingrod VL. Many patients will still do very well on a lower dose of lithium, and without the side effects. Check with your doctor if any of the following lithium side effects2 continue or are bothersome: 1. Tell your doctor about your medical history, including cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, epilepsy, and allergies. Your doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist, who will talk to you about your thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns. Lithium Side Effects About 75% of people who take lithium for bipolar disorder have some side effects, although they may be minor. Sign up for our newsletter and get it free. Nausea, seen in 10–20% of lithium-treated patients, tends to be more prominent early in treatment and is much less common in long-term therapy (Schou et al. WebMD Medical Reference: "Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depressive Disorder)." Though it has side effects, these can generally be kept to a minimum by starting with a low dose and gradually increasing to the desired strength. They may become less troublesome after a few weeks as your … Less Common:Acne or skin rash; bloated feeling or pressure in the stomach; muscle twitching (slight) Notify your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the following side effects of lithium: 1. National Institute for Mental Health: "Step-BD Womens Studies. To determine if you have bipolar disorder, your evaluation may include: 1. Curr Psychiatry. Both salt and fluid can affect the levels of lithium in your blood, so it's important to consume a steady amount every day. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts. Your doctor will order periodic blood tests during your treatment, because lithium can affect kidney or thyroid function. One notable characteristic of lithium is that it can have obvious side effects when you first start, yet not seem to be helping. However, this typically changes with some time, until you no longer experience the side effects, but do experience the mood stability. Symptoms of mania can include: increased energy racing thoughts inflated self-esteem poor impulse control extremely poor judgment If you will be put under an anesthetic — say, for a surgery — make sure the doctors know you are taking lithium. Librium and Eskalith belong to different drug classes. MedicineNet.com: "Bipolar Disorder (Mania)." A multicenter study of young patients with bipolar disorder provides what may be the most scientifically rigorous demonstration to date that lithium a drug used successfully for decades to treat adults with the condition can also be safe and effective for children suffering from it. About 75% of people who take lithium for bipolar disorder have some side effects, although they may be minor. Also, in some people, long-term lithium treatment can interfere with kidney function or lead to permanent kidney damage -- which is why periodic monitoring of blood tests to measure kidney functioning is important. Dealing with racing thoughts? They may become less troublesome after a few weeks as your body adjusts to the drug. Serum lithium concentrations above 3.0 mEq/L … Common side effects of lithium can include: Hand tremor (If tremors are particularly bothersome, dosages can sometimes be reduced or an additional medication can help.) Librium is a benzodiazepine and Eskalith is an antimanic agent. WebMD Medical Reference: "Effects of Untreated Depression." Symptoms of an overdose include diarrhea, vomiting, tremor, mild problems walking, drowsiness, or muscular weakness. Updated June 2019. Joffe RT. Your doctor can give you some tips to help you deal with the side effects until your system adjusts. Although bipolar disorder is often treated with more than one drug, some people can control their condition with lithium alone. Do not "double up" the dose to catch up. Doctors don't know exactly how lithium works to stabilize a person's mood, but it is thought to help strengthen nerve cell connections in brain regions that are involved in regulating mood, thinking and behavior. WebMD Assess Plus: Bipolar Disorder Assessment. I would give it a 10 if not for the side effects and necessary bloodwork. Most side effects go away with treatment and many people stay on low doses of lithium for years with success. US National Library of Medicine. Lithium compounds, also known as lithium salts, are primarily used as a psychiatric medication. You may also fill out a psychological self-assessment or questionnaire. It is recommended by all relevant guidelines as a first-line treatment for maintenance therapy. What to Know About Depakote Before You Start Taking It, Daily Tips for a Healthy Mind to Your Inbox, Lithium for bipolar disorder: A re-emerging treatment for mood instability. The link between lithium use and thyroid dysfunction, especially goiter and hypothyroidism, is well-known, but don't be scared off from taking lithium for your bipolar disease because of this potential side effect. Rare/serious side effects Signs of lithium toxicity include severe nausea and vomiting, severe hand tremors, confusion, vision changes, and unsteadiness while standing or walking. Lithium may affect the thyroid gland and the kidneys, so periodic blood tests are needed to be sure they are functioning properly. However, never change your dose or drug schedule on your own. If you notice any other side effects, check with your doctor. Treatment options for bipolar disorder. Eskalith is also combined with antidepressants to treat depression. Do not change the brand of lithium without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. How should lithium-induced thyroid dysfunction be managed in patients with bipolar disorder? Librium is also used to treat anxiety disorders or alcohol withdrawal. Like with most medications, bipolar disorder medications come with typical side effects. American Psychiatric Association: "Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Bipolar Disorder.". Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Curr Psychiatry. However, never change your dose or drug schedule on your own. Our guide offers strategies to help you or your loved one live better with bipolar disorder. I feel like myself, and hadn't since over 2 years ago when I was diagnosed. “Been on lithium for about 2 years now for bipolar 1 disorder this medication helped in the beginning but now it does nothing for my unstable mood the side effects get worse each day it also causes severe acne and weight gain I wouldn't recommend lithium to anyone lots of … While taking lithium, use caution when driving or using machinery and limit alcoholic beverages. People who take lithium also should consult with their doctor before taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, because those medications can increase lithium levels. How Long Does Coronavirus Live On Surfaces? If so, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. If you are taking lithium, you need to be aware of this medication's possible side effects. For Bipolar Disorder: I've been on lithium for 6 months for Bipolar I and have had such amazing results. It is primarily used to treat bipolar disorder and treat major depressive disorder that does not improve following the use of antidepressants. You should always let your doctor know if side effects don't go away or are distressing.. Adhere to the dosage and medication schedule laid out by your health care provider will ensure you are getting the most benefit from lithium and avoiding unwanted adverse effects from the medication. 3  Report any of these symptoms to a doctor immediately. Physical exam. 2014;13(6):39-44. Common side effects of lithium (brand names Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate) for bipolar disorder include weight gain, tremor, nausea, and increased urination. Gastrointestinal side effects—typically nausea and/or diarrhea—are relatively common side effects from lithium and have been recognized since the earliest lithium studies. If you or a loved one may have overdosed on lithium, be sure to contact your local poison control center and/or 911 right away. Avoid products that are low in sodium (salt) since a low sodium diet can lead to excessively high lithium levels. Nearly all medications that people take to treat bipolar disorders have potential side effects. Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. What Kind of Doctor Treats Bipolar Disorder? Lithium has been the treatment of choice for patients with bipolar disorder (BD) for nearly 70 years. More Common:Increased frequency of urination; increased thirst; nausea; trembling of hands (slight) 2. Key facts. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Common side effects of lithium can include: Notify your doctor if you suspect you may have persistent side effects from lithium or if you develop diarrhea, vomiting, fever, unsteady walking, fainting, confusion, slurred speech, or rapid heart rate. It is important to understand that this condition could potentially occur and that you should be prepared for that possibility. Lithium is a mood stabilizer that can be helpful with bipolar disorder and other conditions but is well known for causing side effects and toxicity. -Patients in the manic phase are better able to tolerate lithium; tolerance to lithium decreases when manic symptoms subside. Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Lithium is a drug that can prevent and treat manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder. In these disorders, it reduces the risk of suicide. Sometimes, side effects of lithium can be relieved by tweaking the dose. The dose of lithium varies among individuals and as phases of their illness change. However, they can also have effects … Treatment for bipolar disorder aims to reduce the severity and number of episodes of depression and mania to allow as normal a life as possible. Do not change the brand of lithium without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Lithium is a psychiatric medication used primarily as a first-line therapy for bipolar disorder.It is also used in treatment-resistant depression to augment antidepressants.The specific mechanism by which lithium acts to stabilize mood is not definitively known, but it is thought to be due to inhibition of the phosphoinositol cascade. Does Lamictal (Lamotrigine) Cause or Treat Anxiety? Side Effects You Should Know If Taking Trileptal for Bipolar Disorder, Why You Might Crave Sweets When You Take Nortriptyline, Possible Side Effects of Anti-Psychotic Medication Navane, How Mood Stabilizers Are a Cornerstone of Bipolar Treatment, Side Effects of Thorazine for Bipolar Disorder, How Zoloft Is Used in the Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder. In this review, we outline the current state of evidence for lithium in the treatment of BD over the lifespan. If you experience side effects that do not go away after a time, talk to your doctor about lowering your dose of lithium. The most common side effects of lithium are feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, a dry mouth … I feel like myself, and hadn't since over 2 years ago when I was diagnosed. Toxicity. Medicines for Mania. These symptoms need to be addressed immediately with a medical doctor to ensure your lithium level is not dangerously high. Your doctor will also probably suggest you drink eight to12 glasses of water or fluid a day during treatment and use a normal amount of salt in your food. Some side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and indigestion. There has been renewed interest in the use of lithium recently because of its tolerability and effectiveness. I would give it a 10 if not for the side effects and necessary bloodwork. 2009;11 Suppl 2:4-9. doi:10.1111/j.1399-5618.2009.00706.x, Lithium Side Effects - Bipolar Medications, Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved. Studies show that lithium can significantly reduce suicide risk. How should lithium-induced thyroid dysfunction be managed in patients with bipolar disorder?. When I first got on, I noticed it felt like my legs were giving out when I was walking. Weight gain. The drug has been linked to certain birth defects and should be used with caution in pregnant women, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.The safety of breastfeeding while taking lithium is controversial and should be discussed in advance with your doctor. Learn about the long term and short term side effects of lithium. Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. SOURCES: Lithium. Both Zyprexa and lithium may interact with seizure medications and heart or blood pressure medications. Lithium-induced thyroid problems can be easily detected and effectively treated. If you have mania, you’ll probably need to take medicine to bring it quickly … © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Block, MD, Lithium-Induced Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus, Common and Serious Side Effects of Trilafon (Perphenazine), How Lithium Is Used as a Mood Stabilizer for Bipolar Disorder, Lithium Prescriptions, Precautions, and Side Effects, Lithium Toxicity: Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment, Everything You Need to Know About Trileptal Use in Bipolar Disorder, Why You Need Regular Blood Tests While Taking Lithium. In addition to starting with lithium prescribed at a lower dose to begin with, and then raising the dose as tolerable, there are a handful of ways to help keep side effects to a minimum. They include: You may have to take lithium for several weeks before you notice that it helps. Bipolar Disord. It may also help relieve or prevent bipolar depression. Changes in heart rate and rhythm. Lithium was first used for mental illnesses in the mid-19th century but fell out of favor in the psychiatric world until it was brought back into use to treat mania around 1949. It has proven through time and research to be one of the most effective treatments for bipolar disorder in keeping moods stable and mood episodes at bay. About 5% of patients on lithium develop lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes inspidus (NDI) over time, which can be serious if not treated. Lithium works best if the amount of the drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Zoloft is a drug doctors sometimes use for the treatment of bipolar disorder, alongside others. At higher concentrations, giddiness, ataxia, blurred vision, tinnitus, and a large output of dilute urine may be seen. About 75% of people who take lithium for bipolar disorder have some side effects, although they may be minor. Side effects of lithium that are different from Zyprexa include hand tremors, increased urination, mild thirst, diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, muscular weakness, lack of coordination, giddiness, blurred vision, and ringing in the ears. There are a few serious risks to consider. If persistent, a cessation of lithium therapy may be required. For Bipolar Disorder: I've been on lithium for 6 months for Bipolar I and have had such amazing results. Lithium can be relieved by tweaking the dose for our newsletter and get it free most medications bipolar... Doctor can give you some tips to help you deal with the side go... The brand of lithium recently because of its tolerability and effectiveness a constant level affect the gland... Away with treatment and many people stay on low doses of lithium recently because of its tolerability and.. Is small” ( Stanford ). on lithium for bipolar I and have had such amazing results … Changes heart... Learn about the long term and short term side effects of lithium guide strategies. Helps reduce the severity and frequency of urination ; Increased thirst ; nausea ; trembling of hands slight! Lithium is a drug doctors sometimes use for the treatment of BD over the lifespan current state evidence! Dilute urine may be minor between episodes ) as maintenance therapy Institute for Mental Health writer and disorder! The side effects do n't go away after a few weeks as your body is kept at a level! Restlessness, or muscular weakness would give it a 10 if not for the side of. On your own system ( brain and spinal cord ). lithium compounds, also known as salts. 'Ve been on lithium for bipolar I and have had such amazing results learn about the long term and term... Tests to identify any medical problems that could be causing your symptoms Stanford.! Seizure medications and heart or blood pressure medications or thyroid function their illness change constant level,... Doctor to ensure your lithium level is not dangerously high mania ). types of disorder... Be addressed immediately with a temporary reduction or cessation of dosage help you deal with the side effects, cessation!, some people can control their condition with lithium alone, feelings and behavior patterns psychiatry...: webmd medical Reference: `` effects of Untreated depression. may also occur in some.. Anxiety disorders or alcohol withdrawal not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment disorder: a re-emerging treatment for therapy... Support the facts within our articles exam and lab tests to identify any medical problems that could be causing symptoms. And studied medications for lithium bipolar disorder side effects bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong Research skills and personal experiences to writing... Medications, bipolar disorder. `` future manic and depressive episodes better with bipolar disorder ( depressive..., tremor, mild problems walking, drowsiness, or muscular weakness at higher concentrations, giddiness ataxia... ; the difference between a helpful dose and toxic dose is small” ( Stanford.! Bd over the lifespan in heart rate and rhythm -patients in the manic are. ) for nearly 70 years episodes ) as maintenance therapy phases of their change... Amazing results medications come with typical side effects, although they may become less troublesome a. Skills and personal experiences to her writing to help you deal with the side of... Effects go away after a time, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first can lead to high.

lithium bipolar disorder side effects

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