All rights reserved.WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.You will receive your first newsletter with our next scheduled circulation!If you miss a dose of lithium, take it as soon as you remember it -- unless the next scheduled dose is within two hours (or six hours for slow-release forms). It may also help relieve or prevent bipolar depression. Symptoms of Lithium-Induced Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus. Studies show that lithium can significantly reduce suicide risk. Please try again.Dealing with racing thoughts?
most people who take lithium -- about 75% -- have some side effects, although they may be minor. Some people who take lithium have low levels of thyroid hormone, which can affect symptoms of bipolar disorder. Lithium Side Effects About 75% of people who take lithium for bipolar disorder have some side effects, although they may be minor.
they may become less troublesome after a few weeks as your body adjusts to the drug. About 5% of patients on lithium develop lithium-induced NDI 4 …
If you …
These effects can be common. If so, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Although increased thirst and increased urine output are very common side effects of lithium, it's important to tell your doctor if you have them. Sign up for our newsletter and get it free.You may have to take lithium for several weeks before you notice that it helps. Do not "double up" the dose to catch up. Symptoms of lithium toxicity can include diarrhea, vomiting, tremor, lack of coordination, drowsiness, or muscle weakness. Always feeling tired? Common side effects of lithium can include:Famous people who have this condition.© 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC.
Your doctor can give you some tips and tricks to help you deal with the side effects for those first few weeks until your system adjusts.
Our guide offers strategies to help you or your loved one live better with bipolar disorder. Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) is one of the most widely used and studied medications for treating bipolar disorder.
If you notice any other side effects, check with your doctor.There was an error.
Though it has side effects, these can generally be kept to a minimum by starting with a low dose and gradually increasing to the desired strength.
Lithium also helps prevent future manic and depressive episodes. Notify your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the following side effects of lithium:Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There has been renewed interest in the use of lithium recently because of its tolerability and effectiveness. Many patients will still do very well on a lower dose of lithium, and without the side effects.Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. Lithium helps reduce the severity and frequency of mania. As a result, it may be prescribed for long periods of time (even between episodes) as maintenance therapy. Most side effects go away with treatment and many people stay on low doses of lithium for years with success.Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.If you experience side effects that do not go away after a time, talk to your doctor about lowering your dose of lithium.