Hypothyroidism is another concern for those taking lithium. In a person with hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. A person who is taking lithium will need to undergo regular tests to monitor their thyroid function. Not only can lithium cause long term thyroid problems, but it can also affect the parathyroid glands.
These glands are chiefly responsible for regulating calcium levels in the body. Hypercalcemia can lead to further complications , such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues. According to an article in the journal Case Reports in Medicine , lithium-induced hyperparathyroidism is four times more likely to occur in women than in men. A woman who is taking lithium and planning on becoming pregnant should talk to her doctor.
This particular birth abnormality affects the tricuspid valve in the heart. Doctors will not usually suggest stopping lithium treatment during pregnancy. Women can talk to their doctor or midwife for advice on alternative feeding options. For lithium to work most effectively, a person should take it consistently every day. Missing a dose can affect how well the medicine works.
A person should seek emergency medical attention if they experience any of the following symptoms of high lithium levels:. A person must take lithium at regular intervals for the medication to be effective. Elevated lithium levels can result in a range of unpleasant symptoms. They can also result in severe health complications and even death. If a person experiences worrying symptoms while taking lithium, they should talk to their doctor.
A doctor can often recommend ways to reduce the side effects of lithium treatment without stopping it. The symptoms of mania in bipolar disorder include high energy levels, euphoria, and elevated self-esteem. Learn more about bipolar mania symptoms here. Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Low levels of thyroid hormones can cause a wide…. Bipolar disorder causes shifts in a person's mood and energy levels.
It is usually manageable with a correct diagnosis and suitable treatment and…. Never delay seeking professional medical advice or disregard medical professional advice as a result of any information provided herein. The College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists disclaims any and all liability alleged as a result of the information provided herein.
Search Close Menu. Sign In About Mental Illness. About Mental Illness Treatments. About Mental Illness Research. Your Journey Individuals with Mental Illness. Your Journey Family Members and Caregivers. Your Journey Identity and Cultural Dimensions.
Your Journey Frontline Professionals. Get Involved Become a Fundraiser. Get Involved Awareness Events. Get Involved Share Your Story.
Get Involved Partner with Us. Advocacy Advocate for Change. Advocacy Policy Priorities. Advocacy Policy Platform.
Advocacy Crisis Intervention. Advocacy State Fact Sheets. Advocacy Public Policy Reports. Know the warning signs Learn the common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents. Mental health conditions Learn more about common mental health conditions that affect millions. Symptoms of your condition that bother you the most If you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself Medications you have taken in the past for your condition, whether they were effective or caused any adverse effects If you experience side effects from your medications, discuss them with your provider.
Some side effects may pass with time, but others may require changes in the medication. Any other psychiatric or medical problems you have All other medications you are currently taking including over the counter products, herbal and nutritional supplements and any medication allergies you have Other non-medication treatment you are receiving, such as talk therapy or substance abuse treatment.
Your provider can explain how these different treatments work with the medication. If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding If you drink alcohol or use illegal drugs How Should I Take Lithium?
Lithium is usually taken times per day with or without food. Liquid: Measure with a dosing spoon or oral syringe, which you can get from your pharmacy. Avoid low sodium diets and dehydration because this can increase the risk of lithium toxicity. What are possible side effects of lithium? In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below.
The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur.
Using this medicine with any of the following is usually not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:. Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of it, do not take it more or less often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.
This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Read it again each time you refill your prescription in case there is new information.
You should talk to your doctor if you have any questions. You might have to take this medicine for several weeks before you begin to feel better. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions. Make sure that your doctor knows if you are on a low-sodium or low-salt diet. Too little salt in your diet could lead to serious side effects.
Talk to your doctor about the correct amount of fluid to take with this medicine. Some people need to drink extra fluid every day with lithium. Measure the oral solution with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. A regular teaspoon may not measure the correct amount of medicine. There are several different forms of lithium.
The dose for each is different and they are used at different times of the day. Do not change the type of medicine you take without talking to your doctor first. In order for lithium to work properly, it must be taken every day in regularly spaced doses as ordered by your doctor. This is necessary to keep a constant amount of lithium in your blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses and do not stop taking the medicine even if you feel better. Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed.
Different brands may not work the same way. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine.
0コメント