It can help reduce the severity and frequency of manic episodes.
It can also lead to toxicity if it is taken in excess.
Unfortunately, lithium toxicity isn’t uncommon.
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At a Glance
Lithium toxicity can occur if you take too much of the medication.
When severe, it may cause seizures, coma, or brain injury.
Acute Toxicity
Acute lithium toxicity triggers when someone who isn’t taking lithium at all ingests it.
What’s a safe, effective dose for one person may be toxic to another.
Symptoms of Lithium Toxicity
Not every case of lithium toxicity looks the same.
Your symptoms can vary depending on what bang out you have.
It may take up to 24 hours for lithium to reach brain tissue.
This can delay the onset of acute toxicity symptoms.
Factors That Increase the Risk
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing lithium toxicity.
At the very least, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 to get advice on what to do.
make a run at find out when the lithium was taken and how much was taken too.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
How Is Lithium Toxicity Diagnosed?
Whole bowel irrigation is only done if you aren’t having symptoms of lethargy or confusion.
Lithium will clear your system more slowly in chronic toxicity than in the acute punch in.
Otherwise, a series of dialysis treatments may be necessary to wipe the excess lithium from your system.
Most people recover from lithium toxicity without problems.
Always follow your doctor’s dosing recommendations.
Also, see to it you keep all your appointments so your doctor can regularly monitor your lithium level.
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