Lithium Carbonate

Bipolar Disorder, Acute Coryza, Bipolar Disorder

Treatment

0 Active Studies for Lithium Carbonate

Treatment for

Bipolar Disorder

What is Lithium Carbonate

Lithium carbonate

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Lithium 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.

Eskalith

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

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 Patients

Lithium'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 body

Lithium'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

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

Lithium Carbonate has one contraindication, so it should not be taken if any of the ailments in the ensuing table are present.

Lithium Carbonate 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 Lithium Carbonate.

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 Risk

In 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

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

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

0 Actively Recruiting

Bipolar Disorder

0 Actively Recruiting

Acute Coryza

1 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable

Lithium Carbonate Reviews: What are patients saying about Lithium Carbonate?

Patient Review

7/16/2018

Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Depression

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.

Patient Review

6/23/2016

Lithium Carbonate for Manic-Depression

Patient Review

8/6/2016

Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Depression

4.7

Patient Review

6/27/2018

Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Depression

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.

4.3

Patient Review

2/24/2021

Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Depression

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.

Patient Review

10/13/2016

Lithium Carbonate for Mania associated with Bipolar Disorder

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!

Patient Review

9/22/2020

Lithium Carbonate for Additional Medications to Treat Depression

I've been taking lithium for a little while now, and I'm not entirely sure why. That said, it seems to be helping?

3.7

Patient Review

10/16/2021

Lithium Carbonate for Manic-Depression

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.

Patient Review

4/7/2022

Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Depression

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.

2.7

Patient Review

4/11/2022

Lithium Carbonate for Additional Medications to Treat Depression

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.

2.3

Patient Review

10/4/2016

Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Depression

2.3

Patient Review

12/30/2021

Lithium Carbonate for Mania associated with Bipolar Disorder

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.

Patient Review

3/29/2019

Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Depression

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.

Patient Review

4/27/2018

Lithium Carbonate for Additional Medications to Treat Depression

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.

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

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