General Information on Lithium Carbonate
Lithium Carbonate is prescribed to treat bipolar disorder. This drug is also given to reduce the frequency and intensity of manic episodes that occur in patients suffering from bipolar disorders.
Lithium Carbonate is meant for oral administration. You can buy Lithium Carbonate in form of extended release oral tablets. The oral tablets come in strength, Lithium Carbonate 300 mg. The inactive ingredients present in the tablets are: povidone, calcium stearate, sodium chloride, Opadry II, sorbitol, and sodium lauryl sulfate.
It is necessary that you consult a doctor before you buy Lithium Carbonate as it is a prescription drug. Using this drug for unintended medical purposes may be dangerous.
Side effects of Lithium Carbonate
Lithium Carbonate, in some cases, may cause serious side effects. You should discuss the risks this drug presents to you case with your doctor. During treatment, your doctor may ask you to undergo certain tests to monitor the serum lithium levels. You should take all prescribed tests as directed.
Do not use this drug if you are hypersensitive to Lithium. Prior to starting treatment, share your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have or have had the following:
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Hyponatremia (lower than normal sodium levels)
- Any other severe medical disorder
Administration of Lithium Carbonate, in some patients, may lead to lithium toxicity, a potentially dangerous condition. The following symptoms indicated lithium toxicity: nausea, diarrhea, vomitting, drowsiness, tremor, lack of coordination, muscle weakness, ringing in the ears, or blurred vision. Consult your physician immediately if you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms during treatment.
Other serious side effects of this drug may include:
- Extreme thirst
- Discoloration in the toes or fingers
- Hallucinations
- Lightheadedness
- Slow heart rate
- Confusion
- Eye pain
The following are the less serious side effects associated with Lithium Carbonate:
- Itching skin
- Stomach upset
- Stomach paint
- Mild nausea
- Loss of appetite
Lithium Carbonate is contraindicated in pregnancy as it can lead to fetal abnormalities. You should not use this drug if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your physician about it. During treatment, you should use an effective birth control method to prevent pregnancy.
Lithium Carbonate enters breast milk and may cause harm to a nursing baby. Avoid using this drug if you are breastfeeding.
The safety of this drug in children below 12 years has not been studied. Do not give Lithium Carbonate to children who are younger than 12 years unless directed by a doctor.
Dosage of Lithium Carbonate
Lithium Carbonate is usually administered twice or thrice a day. For treatment of acute mania the recommended dosage is 1800 mg of Lithium Carbonate per day. For long-term control, the recommended dosage range is 900 mg – 1200mg daily.
Interactions
Various drugs have the potential to interact with Lithium Carbonate. Tell your doctor about all the drugs that you are taking before starting treatment. Here’s a partial list of drugs that may interact with Lithium Carbonate:
- Diuretics such as ethacrynic acid, amiloride, furosemide, chlorthalidone, bumetanide, spironolactone, hydrochlorothiazide, and others
- NSAIDs such as diclofenac, naproxen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, diflunisal, nabumetone, and others
- Anti-psychotic drugs such as olanzapine, haloperidol, quetiapine, risperidone, pimozide, chlorpromazine, and others.
- CCE blockers such as verapamil or diltiazem
