If you’ve been prescribed this drug, it’s important to know how to use it safely.
Some lithium side effects are common and mild.
Others don’t happen as often but can be serious, requiring medical attention.
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Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of lithium tend to be more annoying than dangerous.
They include:
Another common side effect of lithium is weight gain.
If any of these common effects are bothersome or don’t go away, talk with your healthcare provider.
They may modify your dosage or change medications to help ease these effects.
Serious Side Effects
Other lithium side effects are more serious, often requiring immediate medical attention.
While lithium toxicity is generally not fatal, it does require treatment.
It may also require an extended hospital stay due to mobility and cognitive complications.
If you suspect lithium toxicity, call the Poison Help hotline at 800-222-1222 or seek immediate medical attention.
They include caffeine, table salt, and theophylline, a medication sometimes prescribed for breathing issues.
This could involve avoiding low-sodium diets,drinking enough fluids, and limiting caffeine intake.
This is not a comprehensive list of substances that may interact with lithium.
Blood lithium levels are then analyzed regularly during treatment.
Levels should also be checked if any new medications are added or discontinued since many medications interact with lithium.
The timing of the dose may also be helpful.
In some cases, medications can be used to reduce certain side effects.
Summary
Lithium can be an effective drug for people with bipolar disorder.
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.
That said, careful monitoring of lithium levels is critical to reducing the potential for toxicity and its consequences.
While some side effects are common, many of these effects are more annoying than dangerous.
Lab tests must be conducted regularly when taking lithium to minimize the risk of kidney and thyroid dysfunction.
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