How do you know if lithium is too high?

Early Signs of Lithium Toxicity
  1. Loss of appetite, or vomiting.
  2. Blurred vision.
  3. Excessive thirstiness.
  4. Needing to pee frequently.
  5. Uncontrollable urination and bowel movements.
  6. A lightheaded or drowsy feeling.
  7. Confusion and blackouts.
  8. Shaking, muscle weakness, twitches, jerks, or spasms affecting your face, tongue, eyes, or neck.


What happens when lithium is too high?

Moderate intoxication: confusion, agitation, delirium, tachycardia, and hypertonia (serum lithium concentration between 2.5-3.5 mEq/L)[33] [34]. Severe intoxication: Coma, seizures, hyperthermia, and hypotension (serum lithium concentration (more than 3.5 mEq/L)[33] [34].

What is the most concerning side effect of lithium?

The most concerning side effects of long term lithium use are hypothyroidism and kidney problems. According to a 2015 review article , these side effects are most likely to affect women below the age of 60 years. They are also more common among people with higher-than-average concentrations of lithium in the blood.


Can too much lithium cause anxiety?

Similarly, lithium itself can have what's known as a "paradoxical" reaction where it actually creates more anxiety and depression, which is another important reason not to use lithium without talking to your doctor.

Can lithium make your mood worse?

There are cases when suicidal thoughts or bipolar tendencies become temporarily, or permanently, worse when you start taking lithium. If you feel that your symptoms are worsening, call the doctor who prescribed lithium to you and discuss your options.


Bipolar Disorder - When we use Lithium



Can too much lithium make you tired?

Lithium can make you drowsy so it's best to stop drinking alcohol during the first few days of taking lithium, or if your dose is increased.

What level of lithium is considered toxic?

A safe blood level of lithium is 0.6 and 1.2 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Lithium toxicity can happen when this level reaches 1.5 mEq/L or higher.

Can lithium make you feel weird?

When first starting lithium, many people experience common side effects, such as nausea, shakiness, or greater thirst. Regular blood monitoring is important to make sure you are taking a safe and effective dose of lithium.


What is the downside of taking lithium?

Lithium might increase a brain chemical called serotonin. Some medications also have this effect. Taking lithium along with these medications might increase serotonin too much. This might cause serious side effects including heart problems, seizures, and vomiting.

How long does it take for lithium levels to go down?

The half-life of lithium is 18 to 30 hours. It has lower absorption on an empty stomach.

How do you adjust lithium levels?

Start with 300 mg at night and raise it by 300 mg every 5-7 days. Cut those numbers in half if the patient is frail, elderly, or is taking a medication like a thiazide diuretic that can raise lithium. The main reason people stop lithium in the early phase is nausea.


How does lithium make you feel bipolar?

Lithium helps reduce the severity and frequency of mania — the elevated, euphoric end of the mood scale — and may help to treat bipolar depression. If you have been at risk of suicide, lithium may help reduce these feelings. Lithium also helps prevent manic and depressive episodes occurring in the future.

What happens if you take lithium and you don't need it?

Symptoms of lithium toxicity include severe nausea and vomiting, severe hand tremors, confusion, and vision changes.

What drugs should not be taken with lithium?

Common drug–drug interactions with lithium

The most commonly prescribed drugs that have the potential to interact with lithium are ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists (sartans), diuretics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).


What are the mental side effects of lithium?

Lithium Side Effects
  • Hand tremor (If tremors are particularly bothersome, dosages can sometimes be reduced, or an additional medication can help.)
  • Increased thirst.
  • Increased urination.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Weight gain.
  • Impaired memory.
  • Poor concentration.


Can lithium cause altered mental status?

The possible complications of lithium overdose include altered mental status, hand tremor, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizure, syncope, and arrhythmia. Lithium intoxication can be fatal and is difficult to diagnose in patients without a history of lithium intake.

What is a good level for lithium?

Results are given in milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). For lithium to be effective, your level should be between 0.6 and 1.2 mEq/L, but not more than 1.2 mEq/L. Lithium has a very narrow range where it is effective and nontoxic. At a level of 1.2 mEq/L, lithium can start to cause problems.


What organs can lithium damage?

The three organ systems that may be negatively affected by lithium are the thyroid gland, kidneys and parathyroid glands.

What is the optimal lithium level?

For adults with bipolar disorder there was consensus that the standard lithium serum level should be 0.60‐0.80 mmol/L with the option to reduce it to 0.40‐0.60 mmol/L in case of good response but poor tolerance or to increase it to 0.80‐1.00 mmol/L in case of insufficient response and good tolerance.

How do I stop lithium fatigue?

Establishing a sleep routine, staying hydrated, and exercising can combat fatigue. Limiting caffeine, increasing vitamin B-12 intake, and avoiding 'drowsy' medications can also help to boost energy levels.


Does lithium make you lazy?

Lithium may affect your mental alertness or make you drowsy. Do not drive until you know how lithium will affect you. Avoid alcohol. Ensure you keep adequately hydrated while taking lithium and maintain an adequate salt intake (your doctor will discuss this requirement).

What is lithium belly?

Research has shown that in some bipolar patients, weight gain occurs with lithium monotherapy because lithium alters their taste. This side effect causes cravings for beverages and food that are salty, fatty, or sugary.

Can you skip a day of lithium?

In order for lithium to work properly, it must be taken every day in regularly spaced doses as ordered by your doctor. This is necessary to keep a constant amount of lithium in your blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses and do not stop taking the medicine even if you feel better.


Can too much lithium cause depression?

Symptoms of lithium-induced hypothyroidism are the same as seen in primary cases of the disorder—lethargy, mental slowing, depression, weight gain, dry skin, and cold intolerance.

Can too much lithium cause mania?

A case of mania subsequent to the addition of lithium in unsuccessful treatment by antidepressants is presented. It is suggested that lithium might potentiate some properties of antidepressants which affect their capacity to induce mania.