Lithium carbonate (common brand names being Eskalith CR or Lithobid) is typically taken to treat manic-depressive disorder, more commonly known as bipolar disorder. The medication works by re-establishing the balance of several neurotransmitters in the brain. This helps stabilize mood and lowers the chances of extreme behaviours often found in bipolar disorder.

There are several benefits of taking lithium carbonate long-term. Not only is there a decrease in the occurrence of manic episodes, there is also a decrease of common symptoms of bipolar disorder such as exaggerated feelings of grandiose, feelings that others want to harm you, irritability, anxiousness, rapid/loud speaking, and aggressive/hostile/impulsive behaviours.

Using Lithium Carbonate ER

Different brands of lithium carbonate are available — it should be noted that each brand has a different effect on the patient. As such, do not change medicine brands without consulting your doctor, pharmacist, and/or psychiatrist..

Lithium carbonate is taken by mouth as directed, typically about 2 to 3 times a day. The medicine is meant to be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed. This is because crushing or chewing the pills can release all of the drug at once, risking an increase in the severity of side effects. Do not split the pill unless it has a score line and you have been instructed by your physician to do so. It is usually recommended for the patient to take the lithium carbonate medication with a meal or immediately after a meal in order to decrease the chances of having an upset stomach.

While taking lithium to treat your bipolar disorder, it is important to drink at least 8 to 12 glasses (8 ounces, or 240 milliliters each glass) of water or other hydrating fluids a day. It is also incredibly important to keep a healthy diet with a stable sodium intake as directed by your physician or dietician. This is because changes in the amount of salt/sodium in your diet can cause changes to your lithium blood levels, which can result in serious complications. Sodium intake should not be changed unless under the direction of your physician.

In order to best treat your bipolar disorder with lithium carbonate, medication should be taken regularly. It is recommended for patients to take the medication at the same times every day. Medication dosage is based on each patient’s medical condition, lithium blood levels, and treatment response. Lithium carbonate works best if it is kept at a constant level in your body, thus the drug should be taken at evenly spaced intervals. During your treatment, your physician should be taking regular tests to monitor your lithium blood levels — there is only a small difference between just the right amount of lithium in your body versus too much lithium in your body.

Lithium carbonate should be taken exactly as prescribed by your physician or psychiatrist. Even if you feel better, you should continue to take the medicine as directed as conditions may worsen if you suddenly stop taking it. Do not discontinue taking lithium carbonate as directed without first consulting your physician, pharmacist, or psychiatrist.

It may take around one to three weeks before an improvement in your condition can be seen. If condition does not improve or worsens, tell your doctor right away.

Side Effects

There are a number of side effects if you are using lithium carbonate to treat bipolar disorder. Common side effects for those just starting the medication include drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, increased thirst, increased frequency of urination, weight gain, and/or mildly shaking hands (fine tremor). As your body adjusts to the medication, the side effects should slowly fade away. If the effects persists or worsens, tell your physician or pharmacists immediately.

Most people who uses lithium carbonate do not experience serious side effects. Serious side effects of taking the medication include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, unsteady walking, confusion, slurred speech, blurred vision, severe hand trembling (coarse tremor), vision chances (blind spots, vision loss), joint swelling or pain, pain or discoloration in the fingers and/or toes, and cold hands and/or feet. If you experience any of these side effects while taking lithium carbonate, contact your doctor immediately.

Seek any medical help immediately if you experience more serious side effects such as severe dizziness, fainting, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and/or seizures while on lithium carbonate. You should also get medical help right away if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction while taking lithium carbonate. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction includes rashes, itching and/or swelling (particularly of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, and/or trouble breathing.

It should be noted that the side effects listed above is not a complete list. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to get more information on the drug and find out whether or not lithium carbonate is the best treatment for you. If you experience a side effect that is not listed above, get in contact with your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using lithium as bipolar treatment, there are several precautions you should take. First, inform your doctor or pharmacist of all allergies you have. Lithium carbonate as a drug could contain other ingredients that you might be allergic to.

Medical history is also an important thing to take note of before your physician, pharmacist, or psychiatrist can prescribe you with lithium carbonate. It is particularly important if you or your family have a history of other medical conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, urinary problems, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), seizures, Parkinson’s disease, leukemia, severe dehydration, a infection with high fever, and/or certain skin disorders such as psoriasis.

In some rare cases, lithium bipolar treatment can reveal an existing condition called the Brugada syndrome. Brugada syndrome is a serious and life-threatening heart problem that can cause abnormal heartbeat or even sudden death. Some symptoms of the syndrome include severe dizziness, fainting, and/or shortness of breath. The syndrome is typically inherited — thus it is important to inform your doctor before starting lithium treatment if you’ve experienced unexplained fainting or you have a family history of certain heart problems and/or sudden unexplained deaths before 45 years old. This could mean that you may have Brugada syndrome.

Inform your doctor if you are plan to become pregnant soon or think you are pregnant. If you are pregnant, lithium carbonate may not be for you — instead, ask your physician if there is another medication that can treat your bipolar disorder. However, if you are already taking lithium carbonate and you are pregnant, do not stop taking the medication unless told by your physician. While lithium may harm the baby, untreated mental illnesses like bipolar disorder can also harm you and/or the baby.

If you’ve had a baby and are just starting your lithium treatment, it is best not to breast-feed. Lithium can pass into breast milk and thus can affect the baby if you are breastfeeding them.

Do not drive, use heavy machinery, or engage in any other risky activities that requires full alertness or clear vision when you are beginning your lithium carbonate treatment. As noted above, some of the side effects of the drug are dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred visions.

Take caution in cases where you may sweat heavily — such as warm weather, hot baths, saunas, or exercise. This is because lithium can dehydrate you easily.

Consult or ask your doctor if you have concerns before starting lithium carbonate treatment. Be as informed as possible to avoid medical complications or harm to yourself when taking the medication.

Other Drug Interactions

Another important thing to take note of before starting lithium carbonate treatment is whether or not you are taking other medications. Interactions between lithium and other medications can increase risks of experiencing serious side effects or other medical issues. Ensure that you have informed your doctor thoroughly on all prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and/or herbal products you use. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any of the medicines you are taking without consulting and gaining approval from your doctor.

Some drugs that can affect and/or interact with lithium include, but are not limited to, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, NSAIDs, “water pills” or diuretics, and other drugs that treat mental illnesses or mood conditions.

Additional Notes

Keep up with appointed laboratory and/or medical tests when you are taking lithium carbonate. This is important as it monitors your progress with the drug and ensures that you do not experience side effects of the drug.

If you miss a dosage, do not take the drug if your next scheduled dose is within 6 hours. Skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double dose.

Store the drug away from light and moisture — do not keep it in your bathroom. In addition, do not flush down medication or pour them in the drain unless you have been told by a professional that you can do so. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure of how to discard of the medication if needed.

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