LITHIUM CONTROLLED-RELEASE - ORAL
PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (LITH-ee-um)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Eskalith CR, Lithobid
GENERIC NAME(S): lithium carbonate
Uses
USES: This medication is used to treat manic-depressive disorder (bipolar disorder). It works to stabilize the mood and reduce extremes in behavior by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain. Some of the benefits of continued use of this medication include decreasing how often manic episodes occur and decreasing the symptoms of manic episodes such as exaggerated feelings of well-being, feelings that others wish to harm you, irritability, anxiousness, rapid/loud speech, and aggressive/hostile behaviors.
How to use LITHIUM CONTROLLED-RELEASE - ORAL
HOW TO USE: There are different brands of this medication available. They may not have the same effects. Do not change brands without asking your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2-3 times daily. Take lithium with or immediately after meals to lessen stomach upset. Do not crush or chew this medication. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. Drink 8 to 12 glasses (8 ounces or 240 milliliters each) of water or other fluid each day, and eat a healthy diet with normal amounts of salt (sodium) as directed by your doctor or dietician while taking this medication. Large changes in the amount of salt in your diet may change your lithium blood levels. Do not change the amount of salt in your diet unless your doctor tells you to do so. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. The dosage is based on your medical condition, lithium blood levels, and response to treatment. This medication works best if the amount of the drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. This medication must be taken exactly as prescribed. It is important to continue taking lithium even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this drug without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens. It may take 1 to 3 weeks to notice improvement in your condition.
Side Effects
Precautions
Interactions
Overdose
Images
- color
- peach
- shape
- round
- imprint
- M, LC 300
- color
- peach
- shape
- round
- imprint
- LITHOBID 300
- color
- beige
- shape
- round
- imprint
- 54 107
- color
- beige
- shape
- round
- imprint
- 54 107
- color
- off-white
- shape
- round
- imprint
- 54 346
Reviews
Faq for LITHIUM CONTROLLED-RELEASE - ORAL
Lithium controlled-release oral medication is primarily used to treat bipolar disorder, helping to stabilize mood swings and reduce the frequency and severity of manic episodes.
Lithium helps restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain, known as neurotransmitters, that are involved in mood regulation. This medication helps prevent or reduce the intensity of manic episodes and sustains a stable mood.
The medication is typically taken by mouth as directed by a healthcare professional. It is usually taken with food and at evenly spaced intervals to maintain a consistent level of lithium in the blood.
Common side effects may include increased thirst, increased urination, mild hand tremors, weight gain, stomach discomfort, and mild diarrhea. These side effects should be discussed with a healthcare professional if they become bothersome.
Serious side effects may include signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, severe thirst, decreased urine production, severe trembling or shaking, and uncontrolled movements. Additionally, symptoms like severe diarrhea, vomiting, changes in mental/mood status, and kidney problems should be immediately reported to a healthcare professional.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking lithium controlled-release oral medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it may pose risks to the fetus or infant.
Certain medications, such as diuretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and ACE inhibitors, can interact with lithium and increase the risk of side effects. Inform your healthcare professional about all medications, supplements, and substances you are currently taking.
Regular blood tests may be required to monitor lithium levels in the blood and ensure they remain within a therapeutic range. Dehydration should be avoided, and caution should be exercised when engaging in activities that require mental alertness or coordination.
The effects of lithium controlled-release oral medication may not be noticeable for several weeks. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed and consult a healthcare professional for dosage adjustments if needed.
Warning
WARNING: It is very important to have the right amount of lithium in your body. Too much lithium may lead to unwanted effects such as nausea, diarrhea, shaking of the hands, dizziness, twitching, seizures, slurred speech, confusion, or increase in the amount of urine. Tell your doctor right away if these effects occur. There is only a small difference between the correct amount of lithium and too much lithium. Therefore, it is important that your doctor monitor you closely during treatment. Keep all medical and laboratory appointments while you are taking lithium.
Disclaimer
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
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