Lithium is a soft alkali metal similar in nature to sodium and potassium. It occurs naturally in some local water supplies. Lithium is used to treat manic depression, but may also be useful in treating migraine cluster headaches, low white blood cell count, juvenile convulsive disease, alcoholism and liver disorders. Lithium carbonate, the pharmaceutical option, can cause very high blood levels of the metal. Lithium orotate is a salt of orotic acid and lithium that is said to be more easily used by the body. This means that lower doses can be used to achieve a similar effect with fewer side effects. However, lithium orotate may still have some acute, chronic and/or chronic on acute toxic effects.
Acute Toxicity
Acute lithium toxicity can cause frequent urination, thirst, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, muscular weakness, poor coordination, ringing in the ears and/or blurred vision. Acute symptoms refer to taking a minor overdose on a single occasion.
Severe Toxicity
More severe toxic effects of lithium may include coma, hand tremors, muscle twitches, seizures, slurred speech, uncontrollable eye movement and/or memory loss. In rare cases, heart problems may manifest. Severe toxic side effects involve taking a much larger overdose of lithium all at once.
Chronic Toxicity
Chronic toxic effects of lithium include increased reflexes, slurred speech, tremors, movement disorders, excessive salt loss, psychosis and/or kidney failure. These symptoms are produced by prolonged daily overdosage with lithium. In addition, acute on chronic symptoms may also include gastrointestinal effects. Acute on chronic occurs when you take lithium every day, then suddenly take a larger amount, whether intentional or otherwise.
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