Lithobid is one brand name of the generic medication lithium carbonate. Lithobid is used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder, otherwise known as manic-depression. Lithobid is also used as off-label medication for other disorders such as cluster headaches and in conjunction with antidepressant medication for depression. As it acts on the central nervous system, it carries a number of side effects, some of which may be severe.
Nausea
Mild nausea is a common complaint with use of Lithobid. Most of the time this effect is temporary and will go away after the patient becomes used to the medication. Other side effects involving the gastrointestinal system may include loss of appetite and symptoms of indigestion. In some cases, when lithium blood concentration levels are too high, nausea may become more severe and lead to vomiting. In others, diarrhea may develop because of high lithium levels. Severe gastrointestinal disturbance should be reported to a physician.
Tremor
Shaking of the hands or tremor are common side effects of Lithobid use. This may occur because the lithium molecule is similar to and may substitute for sodium in muscle reflexes and may affect the areas of the brain involving movement. In more severe cases, Lithobid may cause movement disorders including unexpected movements, muscle contractions and symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease such as cogwheel rigidity and difficulty walking. Long-term use of Lithobid may contribute to the development of symptoms of tardive dyskinesia such as facial tics and tongue movements. A physician should be notified if movement disorder becomes severe or bothersome.
Increased Urination
Because lithium is excreted by the kidneys like sodium, initial use of Lithobid may cause increased urination. Fluid lost through increased urine volume may cause increased thirst. If lithium concentration levels are too high, some patients may become dehydrated and experience kidney damage, changes in heart functioning and loss of consciousness. In most cases, these symptoms will subside with continued use however a physician should be contacted if they worsen or become severe.
General Discomfort
When beginning Lithobid treatment, some patients may experience feelings of generalized discomfort. Lethargy and fatigue may also be experienced along with pain in specific body parts such as headache or inflammation of joints. In most patients, these symptoms will lessen with continued use. However, severe symptoms of pain or changes in level of consciousness should be reported to the physician.
Changes in Appearance
Though Lithobid may initially cause anorexia and weight loss in some patients, others may experience weight gain from increased carbohydrate intake. Careful attention should be paid to food intake and physical activity to avoid a potential increase in body weight. Other patients may be bothered by the development of acne, thinning of the hair and itching. Worsening of preexisting conditions such as psoriasis may also occur.
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