Lithium

The Lithium is used to treat manic/depressive and bipolar disorders. The lithium is also called the ‘Miracle Drug’. It has been used for so many years for the treatment of bipolar disorders, and it also reduces the risk of suicide. The lithium is actually a positively charged element or particle, which is similar to sodium and potassium.

How Does Lithium Work?

The Lithium interferes at several places inside cells and on the cell’s surface with other positively charged atoms, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

Every drug has side effects and so there are lithium side effects too. The lithium side effects include allergic reaction like hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat. In case if any of the side effects get worst, then immediately seek the help of health care provider. Some other side effects include extreme thirst, urinating more or less than usual, weakness fever, feeling restless, or confused, eye pain and vision problem, restless muscle movement in your eyes, tongue, jaw or neck, pain cold feeling or discoloration in your toes and feet, lightheadedness, fainting, slow heart rate, hallucination and many others that are not listed here. The side effects may vary from patient to patient, so it not necessary that all these symptoms may occur to everyone but are mentioned here for awareness.



Always keep in mind to use the drugs according to physician’s prescriptions, as self-medication can be injurious to your health. The health care expert knows your body well and knows what drugs are suitable for you. The dosage of the medicine should also be taken according to your health care expert’s prescription. The prolong use of any medicine can have bad effects on your body.

Always remember that these drugs are meant to cure your diseases so never misuse or abuse the drug. The medications should be kept away from the reach of the children and in case of emergency, seek the help of a health care provider. The best option to treat manic episodes due to bipolar disorder is with a combination of other antidepressants, but the lithium can also be used to treat depression. What are manic symptoms? The manic symptoms include hyperactivity, rushed speech, poor judgment, need for reduced need for sleep, aggression and anger.

If due to any reason, you miss a dose then don’t take double or extra dose, but take it as soon as you remember within 12 hour, otherwise skip to the usual dose. Never take overdose of any medication, as it can be harmful and can have bad effects too. Similarly, never stop or discontinue a medication on your own. Always ask your health care provider before stopping it. There are many health related sites on the web that contain information on lithium. Also check out the pictures of lithium on the sites. For more information on lithium, explore the web and find out anything you want to know about it.