By Tammy Quinn Mckillip
What is it?
Lithium is a sodium-like drug that is used to treat people with bipolar disorder. Because it interferes with several positively charged atoms in the body, including sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium, people being treated with lithium need to be carefully monitored by their doctors to avoid toxicity in the kidneys and blood.
Interactions
People taking lithium should avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as they may reduce the body's ability to secrete excess lithium in the urine and lead to kidney damage. Diuretics should also be used with caution by people taking lithium because some of them can cause a build-up of toxins in the body, and others can dilute the medication, as can sodium bicarbonate and potassium acetate, reducing the therapeutic effects of lithium treatment. People taking ACE inhibitors should consult their physicians before taking lithium, as these may also prevent the secretion of excess amounts of the drug from the body. Heart medications, such as diltiazem and verapamil can cause toxicity or reduced absorption of lithium in the blood, as can caffeine consumption. There are many other medications that interact with lithium, so careful monitoring of the blood (on average every 5-7 days at the beginning of therapy) is suggested in those taking multiple medications.
Pregnancy
Women that are pregnant should avoid lithium treatment if at all possible, as the drug crosses the placenta and has been associated with an increased risk of birth defects, including goiter and cardiac abnormalities. Babies being breastfed by mothers taking lithium have had irregular electrocardiogram results.
Side Effects
Common side effects of lithium medication include dry mouth, low blood-pressure, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and impotence. If you are taking lithium and develop muscle weakness, loss of appetite, blurry vision, muscle twitches, trouble walking, a tremor, slurred speech, irregular heartbeat, seizures or confusion, call your doctor right away, as these symptoms could indicate lithium toxicity. Some people on lithium also develop hypothyroidism, which is characterized by many symptoms, including a goiter, swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck, mania or depression, swollen lower legs and feet, hair loss, cold sensitivity, hoarseness and very dry skin.
Lithium for Bipolar Disorder by yourwellbeingcenter.com