Lithium side effects may include diarrhea, rash, hair thinning, weight gain, and more.
Lithium blood levels can help determine optimal dosing.
It is difficult to determine if these symptoms are side effects of lithium or symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Theresa Chiechi / Verywell
What Is Lithium?
Lithium is a chemical element found in nature.
It is a light, soft metal that is used in a variety of forms.
Widespread acceptance and adoption of lithium in the United States occurred during the 1970s.
Its use in America decreased gradually beginning in the late 1980s, however, with the introduction ofanticonvulsantsandatypical antipsychotics.
These medications are used to treat other conditions and are increasingly being used to treat bipolar disorder.
Lithium is better than anticonvulsants at preventing manic episodes.
It also reduces the relapse of mood symptoms, decreases aggression, and possibly decreases impulsivity.
How Long Can You Take Lithium?
Lithium is meant to be used as a long-term treatment.
Those who are taking lithium should not stop taking the medication even if they are feeling better.
Missing doses of lithium may increase the risk of a relapse of mood symptoms.
Always use lithium as exactly directed by your healthcare provider and avoid taking too much of the medication.
Who Should Not Take Lithium?
Those who are pregnant must weigh the risks and benefits of taking lithium with their healthcare providers.
Breastfeeding is generally not recommended because lithium is excreted into breast milk.
Summary
Lithium is a mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder.
Side effects may include diarrhea, rash, hair thinning, weight gain, and more.
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