Lithium carbonate is the most commonly prescribed medication used to treat bipolar or manic-depressive disorder, and the National Institute of Mental Health states that approximately 5.7 million Americans suffer with this mental condition. Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by phases of extreme mood swings of mania and depression. Moreover, lithium was the first mood stabilizer approved in the 1970s by the Food and Drug Administration as stated by the National Institute of Mental Health. This medication has it side effects of which the patient should be aware.
Nausea
When beginning this medication, it is common for some individuals to experience a variety of gastrointestinal side effects. For example, one frequent symptom is feeling nauseated. Other related side effects that may accompany nausea are stomach discomfort or cramping, mild diarrhea, and a loss of appetite. However, the experience of nausea or an upset stomach generally is short-lived; that is, the National Alliance of Mental Illness indicates that nausea presents when one initially begins lithium therapy. Once the body adjusts to taking this mood stabilizer, these initial effects tend to disappear. The prescribing physician should be notified, however, if any of these gastrointestinal adverse reactions do not resolve on their own.
Tremors and Coordination
According to Drugs.com, fine hand tremors and mild thirst may be experienced during initial therapy for an acute manic phase, and may persist throughout lithium treatment. Problems with coordination also may be noticeable. Drugs.com explains that such side effects are not considered to be severe, but rather, an inconvenience; also, such adverse reactions usually subside with continued drug therapy.
Thyroid Dysfunction
Hypothyroidism or decreased function of the thyroid gland is another possible side effect that is associated with lithium use, especially if the patient remains on lithium therapy for a long time. The National Alliance of Mental Illness indicates the following symptoms of hypothyroidism may occur: cold sensitivity, dry skin, hair loss, hoarseness, weight gain and swelling of the feet from fluid retention. Patients on lithium who develop a cluster of these symptoms need to see their doctors for an evaluation. It may be the case that thyroid medication will be needed to regulate thyroid function while on this mood stabilizer.
Toxicity and Pregnancy
Drugs.com emphasizes that the likelihood of toxicity increases with increasing serum lithium levels. That is, the occurrence and severity of adverse reactions typically are directly related to serum lithium concentrations as well as to individual sensitivity to this medication. The bottom line is that side effects occur more frequently and with greater severity at higher serum levels. Serum concentration levels should be checked and monitored by your physician to avoid too high or toxic levels. Additionally, lithium does pass into the milk of breast-feeding mothers and may cause adverse effects to the newborn, thus pregnancy while on lithium needs to be discussed with your physician.
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