Eskalith Cr

Bipolar Disorder, Acute Coryza, Bipolar Disorder

Treatment

0 Active Studies for Eskalith Cr

Treatment for

Bipolar Disorder

What is Eskalith Cr

Lithium carbonate

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Lithium has a long history of use as a treatment for episodes of mania, though it is not yet clear how it works to treat these episodes. It is important to closely monitor the amount of lithium taken, as there is a small range between the therapeutic and harmful levels of the drug.

Eskalith

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Eskalith Cr Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Eskalith

Lithium carbonate

1970

174

Effectiveness

How Eskalith Cr Affects Patients

The exact way that lithium works is not completely understood. It may work by blocking certain enzymes or altering how our body responds to glutamate, a type of chemical messenger.

How Eskalith Cr works in the body

The exact mechanism of how lithium works is not known. The most likely explanation is that it affects three different parts of the cell. First, lithium prevents an enzyme from breaking down inositol, a molecule found in the cell. Second, it blocks another enzyme from working, although the effects of this are not fully understood. Third, it helps regulate a protein called GSK-3, which controls other proteins through a process called phosphorylation. It may also prevent GSK-3 from working by blocking the magnesium ion in its active site.

When to interrupt dosage

The prescribed dosage of Eskalith Cr is determined by the diagnosed condition. The measure of dosage fluctuates, based on the method of delivery (e.g. Oral or Tablet, extended release - Oral) noted in the table underneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Bipolar Disorder

, 300.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 600.0 mg, 450.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 8.0 meq/mL

Oral, , Tablet, Tablet, extended release, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral

Acute Coryza

, 300.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 600.0 mg, 450.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 8.0 meq/mL

Bipolar Disorder

, 300.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 600.0 mg, 450.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 8.0 meq/mL

Warnings

Eskalith Cr has one contraindication and should not be taken along with any of the conditions provided in the following table.

Eskalith Cr Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Lithium Carbonate may interact with Pulse Frequency

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Eskalith Cr.

Common Eskalith Cr Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Azelastine

Major

Lithium carbonate may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.

Ethanol

Major

Lithium carbonate may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Ethanol.

Neomycin

Major

The risk or severity of nephrotoxicity can be increased when Lithium carbonate is combined with Neomycin.

Oliceridine

Major

The risk or severity of hypotension, sedation, death, somnolence, and respiratory depression can be increased when Lithium carbonate is combined with Oliceridine.

Tenofovir

Major

Lithium carbonate may increase the nephrotoxic activities of Tenofovir.

Eskalith Cr Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Tests with rats have found that the toxic dose of lithium carbonate is 525mg/kg when taken orally. The effects of lithium carbonate on fertility, cancer, and mutation have not been fully studied yet. Studies with animals have shown that too much lithium can affect male reproductive organs, sperm production, and testosterone levels. There is conflicting evidence about the effects of lithium during the first trimester of pregnancy. If a pregnant woman needs to take lithium, their dosage should be closely monitored and decreased or stopped a few days before giving birth. It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking lithium, but if someone does, the baby should be monitored

Eskalith Cr Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Eskalith Cr?

Two active clinical trials are evaluating the potential of Eskalith Cr to ameliorate Acute Coryza.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Bipolar Disorder

0 Actively Recruiting

Bipolar Disorder

0 Actively Recruiting

Acute Coryza

1 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable

Eskalith Cr Reviews: What are patients saying about Eskalith Cr?

Patient Review

11/11/2010

Eskalith Cr for Bipolar Depression

I've tried a lot of different medications over the years, and this one is definitely the most effective. It's tough on your body, but it really does work. Maybe not in the way you would expect, but it does help to level you out as much as possible.

4.3

Patient Review

2/27/2009

Eskalith Cr for Bipolar Depression

I was on this medication for around 6 months, but it didn't help me as much as I thought it would. I've since tried other medications (Ativan and Strattera) that have worked better for me.

4.3

Patient Review

11/28/2007

Eskalith Cr for Bipolar Depression

Patient Review

10/2/2009

Eskalith Cr for Bipolar Depression

I've been taking this medication for 12 years to manage my mania, and it's been fairly effective with only a few side effects.

Patient Review

12/30/2007

Eskalith Cr for Bipolar Depression

Patient Review

1/10/2008

Eskalith Cr for Manic-Depression

3.7

Patient Review

7/13/2008

Eskalith Cr for Bipolar Depression

I've been on this medication for a year now and, to be honest, I haven't seen much of a difference.

3.7

Patient Review

11/16/2007

Eskalith Cr for Bipolar Depression

2.7

Patient Review

3/26/2008

Eskalith Cr for Bipolar Depression

I'm taking this drug along with Zyprexa and it's working much better than just Zyprexa alone. I'm pretty content with the results.

image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about eskalith cr

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is Eskalith the same as lithium?

"Eskalith is lithium carbonate that is immediate release and supplied in 300 mg capsules. Eskalith CR is a slow release version of lithium carbonate that is supplied in 450 mg scored, breakable tablets."

Answered by AI

What is the generic name for Eskalith?

"Lithium is a medication used to treat mental health disorders and is available under the brand names Eskalith and Lithobid."

Answered by AI

What is Eskalith used for?

"ESKALITH is indicated for the treatment of manic episodes of manic-depressive illness. Maintenance therapy with ESKALITH can help prevent or lessen the intensity of future episodes in patients with a history of mania."

Answered by AI

Is Eskalith a mood stabilizer?

"Although the way lithium works to stabilize a person's mood is not known, it is known that it affects the central nervous system. This then leads to the person being able to better control their emotions and cope with the problems of living. It is important that both the person taking the lithium and their family understand the different effects it can have."

Answered by AI