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Lithium Carbonate
Generic Name: Lithium Carbonate (LITH-ee-um)
Drug Class: Antimanic
Contents
Drug Uses
This medicine is an antimanic agent used to treat manic-depression. It may
also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
General Information
This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect,
adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions
about your medicines, talk to your health care provider.
How it Works
Lithium smoothes out the highs (manic) and lows (depression) in bipolar patients.
It is some time referred to as a mood stabilizer.
How to Take It
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take
this medicine with food or milk. Drinking extra Fluids (8 to 10 glasses of
water or other liquid) while you are taking this medicine is recommended.
Check with your healthcare provider for more instructions. Do NOT change the
amount of salt in your diet unless you have talked with your doctor.
Possible Side Effects
- mild thirst
- frequent urination
- drowsiness
- fine hand tremor
- or mild nausea
- Check with your doctor AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience diarrhea,
vomiting, unsteadiness, difficulty walking, or unusual muscle weakness.
- If you experience other bothersome side effects, contact your health
care provider.
Warnings/Precautions
- Several days to weeks may pass before you feel the full benefit of this
medicine. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your
doctor.
- Alcoholic beverages can increase the effects of this medicine and should
be avoided.
- Use caution in hot weather. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid getting
overheated
- Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous
until you know how you react to this medicine.
- AVOID large amounts of caffeine-containing foods and beverages, such
as coffee, tea, cocoa, cola drinks, and chocolate.
Overdose
- Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your
local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Drug Interactions
- Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter,
check with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking medicines that contain
ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Naprosyn).
Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double
doses.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out
of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat
and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated
or no longer needed.
Pregnancy/Nursing
This medicine has been shown to CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. If you plan
on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using
this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk.
It is advised that you DO NOT breast-feed while taking this medicine unless
you have talked to your doctor or pediatrician.
More Information
For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider.
Copyright © 2004 PharmClips,
Inc. All rights reserved. Information expires March 1, 2005. Published
March 1, 2004.
This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions,
precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general
information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions
for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility
for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from
the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained
herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property
as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty,
expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material.
The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before
making any changes in their drug regimen. |
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