Lithium is sold under the brand name "Eskalith".
Other brand names include Lithobid.
Lithium in its various formulations has been FDA approved for the acute and maintenance treatment of Bipolar Disorder, manic phase, in adults over 18 years old.
Lithium has complex mechanisms of action that include alteration of cellular disposition of neurotransmitters, inhibition of inositol monophosphatase and reduction of protein kinase C. There are several lines of evidence showing that lithium protects neurons from certain kinds of damage, increases the density of the gray matter of the brain, and maintains hippocampal neuronal volume (compared to reductions in volume in bipolar patients not treated with lithium).
Lithium is one of the most extensively studied molecules used in psychiatry, with medical experience going back to the early part of the twentieth century. Lithium tends to be more effective for people whose bipolar disorder includes long cycles and euphoric (happy) manias. It can also be effective in other forms of bipolar disorder, including Bipolar type II and Cyclothymia. Studies from Europe published earlier this decade demonstrated a protective effect against suicide. Interest and use of lithium has consequently increased the last few years.
Lithium is a salt, related chemically to sodium and potassium, which is mined for pharmaceutical use. Lithium can be fatal at high blood levels, and consequently it must be carefully monitored via blood samples. Up to 35 % of people who take lithium long term will require oral thyroid hormone because lithium interferes with the formation and release of thyroid. It can also aggravate existing heart blocks and should be used with caution and carefully monitored via EKG's in patients with known heart conduction abnormalities.
Less serious possible side effects include nausea, increased urine output and increased thirst, a fine tremor in the hands, weight gain, and others.
If you develop diarrhea taking lithium, start vomiting or lose large amounts of fluid while sweating you may become lithium toxic. Drink plenty of fluid while taking lithium (8 x 8 oz of water per day at least). Do not take lithium as long as you are suffering from diarrhea or vomiting and do call the office to obtain an order for a lithium level. Vomiting and diarrhea can be signs of lithium toxicity.
Lithium has been associated with birth defects (most clearly with an abnormality of the mitral valve of the heart known as Ebsteins' Anamoly in up to 1 in 125,000 exposed infants). If you think you may be pregnant, call the office for an urgent appointment to discuss the medication options during pregnancy.
If you miss a lithium dose do not add it to your next dose. Take lithium regularly as prescribed.
