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What is Lithium Carbonate
Lithium carbonateThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryLithium is a medication used to treat manic episodes, like those seen in bipolar disorder. The exact way it works is still unknown, but lithium carbonate is known to be effective in managing these episodes. It needs to be monitored carefully because it has a very small range of safe, therapeutic doses.
Eskalithis the brand name
Lithium Carbonate Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Eskalith
Lithium carbonate
1970
174
Effectiveness
How Lithium Carbonate Affects PatientsLithium's exact effect on the body is still not fully understood. It is thought to work by inhibiting certain enzymes in the body and altering the way the body responds to glutamate receptors.
How Lithium Carbonate works in the bodyLithium's exact way of working is not fully understood. The most accepted explanation is that it affects 3 molecules: inositol monophosphatase, inositol polyphosphatase, and glycogen synthase kinase 3.
Inositol monophosphatase is blocked by lithium in a way that depends on the level of stimulation. This can reduce levels of inositol triphosphate, but higher levels of blocking this molecule can affect memory.
Inositol polyphosphatase is also blocked by lithium, but the full effects of this are
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Lithium Carbonate is reliant upon the indicated condition. The amount of dosage similarly relies on the procedure of delivery (e.g. Oral or Tablet, extended release - Oral) featured 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
, Tablet, extended release, Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Bipolar Disorder
, 300.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 600.0 mg, 450.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 8.0 meq/mL
, Tablet, extended release, Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, 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
, Tablet, extended release, Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Warnings
Lithium Carbonate has one contraindication, so it should not be taken if any of the ailments in the ensuing table are present.Lithium Carbonate ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Lithium Carbonate may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Lithium Carbonate 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.
Lithium Carbonate Toxicity & Overdose RiskIn rats, the deadly dose of lithium carbonate is 525mg/kg when taken orally and more than 2.17mg/L when inhaled over 4 hours. There is not enough data to determine if lithium carbonate is a carcinogen, mutagen, or affects fertility. But studies have shown that repeated daily doses can cause damage to the male reproductive organs or affect testosterone levels. It is not clear if lithium carbonate use in the first trimester of pregnancy will cause cardiovascular abnormalities. Animal studies have shown it can have adverse effects on the fetus and fertility. If lithium treatment continues during pregnancy, blood levels should be
Lithium Carbonate Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Lithium Carbonate?
Two investigations are currently underway to determine the potential of Lithium Carbonate to provide relief from Acute Coryza.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Bipolar Disorder
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4
Bipolar Disorder
0 Actively Recruiting
Acute Coryza
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Lithium Carbonate Reviews: What are patients saying about Lithium Carbonate?
5Patient Review
7/16/2018 lithium has been very effective in reducing the frequency and severity of my depressions. It also helped to stabilize my mood on a day-to-day and seasonal basis. I have experienced few negative side effects from taking this medication, with the exception of some kidney problems that cropped up after taking it for a few years. However, even at 150mg per day, the risk of "serotonin syndrome" is greatly exaggerated according to research done by WebMD. So don't let that scare you (or your doctor) away from trying lithium as a treatment option.
5Patient Review
6/23/20165Patient Review
8/6/20164.7Patient Review
6/27/2018 I had been using the Roxane generic brand for years with no problems. However, my pharmacy switched me to Glenmark and it was a terrible mistake. Within just a few days I started experiencing withdrawal symptoms; it became clear that the Glenmark wasn't doing its job at all. If you're considering this brand, think again.
4.3Patient Review
2/24/2021 This medication has helped me to feel more relaxed and calm. As a result, I'm able to sleep better and overall just feel better mentally and physically.
4Patient Review
10/13/2016 Lithium carbonate has completely changed my life for the better. I used to suffer from rapid cycling mood swings, mania, and depression, but since starting this medication over five years ago, I've been stable and *normal*. And best of all, I haven't experienced any of the frequently quoted side effects. Thank goodness for lithium!
4Patient Review
9/22/2020 I've been taking lithium for a little while now, and I'm not entirely sure why. That said, it seems to be helping?
3.7Patient Review
10/16/2021 This is the only medication that has been effective in preventing mania for me while still allowing me to feel emotions and be mentally sharp. This is important to me because I’m creative. I wasn’t able to create or feel on depakote and seroquel or lamictal and olanzapine, but Lithium works. The only thing is since I’m bipolar 2, I have to be on Prozac too otherwise it removes the mania but not the depression. Downside is it causes me to break out, so I started washing my face with baking soda, and that helps.
3Patient Review
4/7/2022 I recently started taking lithium and have found that there are a few negative side effects, such as feeling dizzy and nauseous. My head feels foggy all the time, which makes it hard to focus. I still get manic episodes, but they are less frequent and intense than before. Overall, I'm feeling better while on this medication.
2.7Patient Review
4/11/2022 I've only been on lithium carbonate for four days, but I'm already experiencing ringing in my ears and feeling very tired. Has anyone else had this happen? I'm considering stopping the medication because I'm scared of the potential side effects.
2.3Patient Review
10/4/20162.3Patient Review
12/30/2021 I get terrible stomach pains if I take this medication without food, and sometimes I vomit it up even when I have. Additionally, while it has helped with my mania, I experienced a psychotic depressive episode which this medication did very little to help me with.
1Patient Review
3/29/2019 I started on a high dose of this drug and my doctor failed to monitor my levels, which led me to develop lithium toxicity and kidney failure. I was on a lower dose for four years before I went off the drug entirely. This experience has made me feel like a new person; I would not wish it on anyone.
1Patient Review
4/27/2018 I've been on lithium for a month now and I'm still experiencing the side effects my doctor warned me about. If anything, I feel like the tremors are worse than ever. I have had some benefits from the drug, but it seems to be taking a long time to work with the medication.
Patient Q&A Section about lithium carbonate
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What is the side effect of lithium carbonate?
"The following side effects may occur: drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, increased thirst, increased urination frequency, weight gain, and mild hand shaking (fine tremor). These should go away as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist."
Answered by AI
What's lithium carbonate used for?
"This medication is used to treat manic-depressive disorder (bipolar disorder) by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain."
Answered by AI
How does lithium carbonate make you feel?
"The most common side effects of lithium are feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, a dry mouth and a metallic taste in the mouth. Your doctor will carry out regular blood tests to check the level of lithium in your blood."
Answered by AI
What does lithium do to a person?
"Lithium can help improve mood swings by reducing the severity and frequency of manic episodes, as well as helping to treat bipolar depression. If you have been feeling suicidal, lithium may help reduce these feelings. Lithium also helps prevent future manic and depressive episodes from occurring."
Answered by AI