Drug Name: LITHIUM
Pronounced: LITH-ee-um
Chemical names: Lithium Carbonate

LITHIUM Drug Use: Lithium is used to treat manic episodes of a manic depressive illness. This is a condition where a person has very large mood swings from unbelievably happy to unbelievably sad in a manner of minutes. The mood after taking the drug Lithium may involve: aggressiveness, hostility, poor judgment, and little need for sleep, fast talk, grandiose unrealistic ideas and elation.

LITHIUM Drug Usage Instructions: Always take Lithium with food or milk. Does not change from one brand of lithium to another Always drink 10 to 12 glasses of water a day while on Lithium.

LITHIUM Storage Instructions: Store Lithium at room temperature. It is advised to store Lithium in a sealed container and away from direct sunlight.

LITHIUM Missed Dose: If you miss a dose of Lithium take the drug as soon as you remember. If it's too close to the next dose skip the missed dose and resume normal Lithium schedule. Never double up on doses of Lithium.

LITHIUM Side Effects: Common side effects of Lithium are: discomfort, frequent urination, hand tremors, mild thirst, nausea, blackout spells, coma, confusion, hallucinations, dry mouth, indigestion, muscle rigidity, low blood pressure and slurred speech. The side effects of this drug also include skin problems, painful joints, poor memory, sexual dysfunction, restlessness, ringing in ears. If you have any of these or any other side effects due to Lithium, contact your doctor.

Special Precautions with LITHIUM: You doctor must make sure that the level of lithium in you blood is the therapeutic range, If it isn't; the drug is doing nothing at all. Stay in close contact with your doctor regarding you Lithium dose, especially when beginning on Lithium.