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Lithium Side Effects in Detail - Drugs.com
Lithium Side Effects in Detail - Drugs.com
Along with its needed effects, lithium may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention
.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking lithium:
Less common
Symptoms of overdose
may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
A wide variety of other nervous system effects have been reported and include ataxia, dysarthria, hyperreflexia, other movement disorders, EEG changes, blackouts, stupor, coma, central incontinence, sleep disturbances, dizziness, vertigo, pseudotumor cerebri, seizures, and worsening of organic brain syndrome.
One study (n=34) has concluded that chronic maintenance treatment with lithium affects the peripheral nerves even if the impairment rarely leads to discontinuation of therapy. This study suggests that monitoring of electroneuronographic results could be useful for the early detection of neurotoxicity of lithium.
Nervous system side effects most commonly have included nervous system effects include tremor, lethargy, lassitude, and muscle weakness. Headache, decreased concentration and confusion also have been reported less frequently. Most of these effects resolve during continuing therapy.
Taking lithium with meals or dividing doses may ameliorate some of the gastrointestinal effects of lithium.
For the Consumer
Applies to lithium: oral capsule, oral solution, oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet extended releaseAlong with its needed effects, lithium may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention
.Check with your doctor
immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking lithium:Less common
- Confusion, poor memory, or lack of awareness
- fainting
- fast or slow heartbeat
- frequent urination
- increased thirst
- irregular pulse
- stiffness of the arms or legs
- troubled breathing (especially during hard work or exercise)
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- weight gain
- Blue color and pain in the fingers and toes
- coldness of the arms and legs
- dizziness
- eye pain
- headache
- noise in the ears
- vision problems
- Dry, rough skin
- fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
- hair loss
- hoarseness
- lightheadedness
- mental depression
- sensitivity to cold
- shortness of breath
- swelling of the feet or lower legs
- swelling of the neck
- unusual excitement
Symptoms of overdose
- Blurred vision
- clumsiness or unsteadiness
- convulsions (seizures)
- diarrhea
- drowsiness
- increase in the amount of urine
- lack of coordination
- loss of appetite
- muscle weakness
- nausea or vomiting
- ringing in the ears
- slurred speech
- trembling (severe)
may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:Less common
- Acne or skin rash
- bloated feeling or pressure in the stomach
- muscle twitching (slight)
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to lithium: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet extended releaseNervous system
The hand tremor associated with lithium therapy is usually a fine rapid intentional tremor. Coarsening of the tremor or occurrence of tremor in a new part of the body may suggest lithium toxicity.A wide variety of other nervous system effects have been reported and include ataxia, dysarthria, hyperreflexia, other movement disorders, EEG changes, blackouts, stupor, coma, central incontinence
, sleep disturbances, dizziness, vertigo, pseudotumor cerebri, seizures, and worsening of organic brain syndrome.One study
(n=34) has concluded that chronic maintenance treatment with lithium affects the peripheral nerves even if the impairment rarely leads to discontinuation of therapy. This study suggests that monitoring of electroneuronographic results could be useful for the early detection of neurotoxicity of lithium.Nervous system side effects most commonly have included nervous system effects include tremor, lethargy, lassitude, and muscle weakness. Headache, decreased concentration and confusion also have been reported less frequently. Most of these effects resolve during continuing therapy.
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, abdominal pain, and dry mouth have been reported frequently.Taking lithium with meals or dividing doses may ameliorate some of the gastrointestinal effects of lithium.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Thursday, August 22, 2013
MMWR News Synopsis for August 22, 2013
MMWR News Synopsis for August 22, 2013
In light of high rates of fatal motor vehicle crashes among older workers, employer policies and programs (e.g., flexible scheduling, trip planning, information on the effects of medications on driving, and health screenings) can help older workers drive more safely on the job.
2. Japanese Encephalitis Surveillance and Immunization — Asia and the Western Pacific, 2012
Japanese encephalitis (JE) is an important public health problem, but this serious disease is preventable by vaccination. Safe and effective vaccines are available, and prequalification by the World Health Organization is pending.
3. Polio Field Census Conducted Among Underserved Populations — Nigeria, 2012–2013
Through NSTOP, highly educated and culturally competent Nigerian public health professionals are expanding access to previously unreached settlements, thus improving the polio vaccination coverage in Northern Nigeria and contributing to the end of polio.
4. Investigational Drug for the Treatment of Free-Living Ameba Infections Now Available Directly from CDC
CDC has a potentially life-saving drug available for physicians to use in the treatment of free-living ameba infections. Infections caused by free-living amebae (FLA), which includes the “brain-eating ameba” Naegleria fowleri, are severe and life-threatening and effective treatment is lacking. Miltefosine has shown activity against FLA in the laboratory.
Read More>>
MMWR – Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
MMWR News Synopsis for August, 22, 2013
1. Occupational Highway Transportation Deaths Among Workers Aged ≥55 Years — United States, 2003–2010In light of high rates of fatal motor vehicle crashes among older workers, employer policies and programs (e.g., flexible scheduling, trip planning, information on the effects of medications on driving, and health screenings) can help older workers drive more safely on the job.
2. Japanese Encephalitis Surveillance and Immunization — Asia and the Western Pacific, 2012
Japanese encephalitis (JE) is an important public health problem, but this serious disease is preventable by vaccination. Safe and effective vaccines are available, and prequalification by the World Health Organization is pending.
3. Polio Field Census Conducted Among Underserved Populations — Nigeria, 2012–2013
Through NSTOP, highly educated and culturally competent Nigerian public health professionals are expanding access to previously unreached settlements, thus improving the polio vaccination coverage in Northern Nigeria and contributing to the end of polio.
4. Investigational Drug for the Treatment of Free-Living Ameba Infections Now Available Directly from CDC
CDC has a potentially life-saving drug available for physicians to use in the treatment of free-living ameba infections. Infections caused by free-living amebae (FLA), which includes the “brain-eating ameba” Naegleria fowleri, are severe and life-threatening and effective treatment is lacking. Miltefosine has shown activity against FLA in the laboratory.
5. Notes from the Field
Eye Injuries Sustained at a Foam Party — Collier County, Florida 2012Read More>>
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