Lithium Carbonate

• As per CDSCO, Lithium Carbonate is used in the treatment of manic depression in adults. It improves mood and reduces excess sleep and aggressiveness.
• It is also recommended in the management of bipolar disorders. Lithium Carbonate is well tolerated during the manic stage of bipolar disorder.

When should one not use Lithium Carbonate

• If you have a known allergy to Lithium.
• If you have a fluid and electrolyte imbalance like sodium depletion. Lithium Carbonate should be given after the fluid and electrolyte imbalance has been rectified in the body.
• If you have a life-threatening psychiatric condition. This medicine should be used with extreme caution.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Lithium Carbonate can cause malformation in the baby, especially when used in the first trimester.
• If you have heart disease and severe dehydration.
• If you have a significant kidney condition.
• If you are using certain diuretic medicines.
• If you have dementia (memory loss), increased risk of heart failure, or any other infection.
• If you have any seizure disorders (fits).
• If you have or suspect having Brugada Syndrome (abnormal ECG or electrocardiograph findings).

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Sudden jerky movements
• Slurred speech
• Uncoordinated body movements
• Nausea
• Acne
• Memory impairment
• Hair loss

Other General Warnings

• You are dehydrated or losing a lot of water through sweating, diarrhoea, etc.
• You have developed a thyroid condition. Thyroid functioning should be carefully monitored while on this medication.
• You are an older adult over the age of 65. The medicine can cause exaggerated and adverse effects in such persons. There is also a greater possibility of Lithium toxicity.
• You have an infection. Stop this medicine temporarily if you have a high temperature.
• You develop stomach discomfort, speech issues, or have significant drowsiness.
• You notice any symptoms of Lithium toxicity, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, hand tremors, etc.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Diabetic medications may be affected by Lithium Carbonate. Blood glucose levels must be closely monitored.
• Medicines like Furosemide can raise Lithium levels. It is not a good idea to take these two simultaneously. The combination can cause sleepiness, muscle weakness, double vision, and vomiting.
• Some medicines that lower high blood pressure, such as captopril and enalapril, can raise Lithium levels. Do not take them simultaneously.
• Using antipsychotic medicines like Haloperidol with Lithium Carbonate can cause serious side effects like lethargy, fever, confusion, and even brain damage.
• Using or discontinuing NSAID medicines such as ibuprofen should be closely monitored. Interaction between these two medicines can lead to Lithium toxicity.

Interactions with food items

• Try to avoid Caffeine, as it may reduce the amount of Lithium in the body, reducing the effectiveness of this medicine.
• A low-sodium or a salt-restricted diet can decrease the excretion of Lithium Carbonate from the body. This can lead to a risk of Lithium toxicity in patients who eat less salt. Changing to a higher salt diet may quickly remove the Lithium from the body. However, an increase in sodium might result in the return of mood disorder symptoms. So, a well-balanced salt intake is necessary.

Overdose

Missed a Dose