Lithium Carbonate (Lithium) is used to treat manic episodes of bipolar disorder. This includes symptoms of: hyperactivity, rushed speech, poor judgement, reduced need for sleep, aggression, and anger. Lithium Carbonate affects the flow of sodium through nerve and muscle cells in the body, which affects excitation or mania. The usual recommended start dose is 150mg dosage.
Manufacturer Information
The brand Lithium Carbonate comes from United Kingdom also called Priadel by Sanofi Aventis and Liskonum by GlaxoSmithKline. The generic Lithium Carbonate comes from Canada manufactured by a different manufacturer. It may come from other international countries. Lithium Carbonate is available in a 150mg, 200mg, 300mg, 400mg, and 450mg dosage.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking Lithium Carbonate.
• Difficulty breathing;
• Hives;
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
Stop taking Lithium Carbonate and call your doctor at once if you have one of these serious side effects:
• Clumsiness;
• Confusion;
• Dehydration symptoms:
• Diarrhea;
• Drowsiness;
• Increased pressure inside the skull:
• Irregular heartbeats;
• Lightheadedness;
• Loss of bowel or bladder control;
• Muscle weakness;
• Ringing in your ears;
• Seizures;
• Slurred speech;
• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome;
• Trouble breathing;
• Vomiting
Less serious side effects of Lithium Carbonate may include: dizziness, drowsiness, tremors in your hands, trouble walking, dry mouth, increased thirst of urination, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, cold feeling, discoloration of fingers and toes, rash, blurred vision.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Please call your doctor if you have any further concerns or questions.
Lithium Carbonate should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. Lithium toxicity can cause death. Do not take more than the amount your doctor prescribes. Talk to your doctor about your medical history to be sure you can safely take Lithium Carbonate. Particularly if you have a history of: breathing problems, heart disease, kidney disease, thyroid disorder, abnormal ECG, fainting spells, family member who died before 45 years old. You should not take Lithium Carbonate if you are allergic to Lithium. Do not give this medication to anyone younger than 7 years old. It is unknown how this medication may affect an unborn or nursing infant. It can make its way into breastmilk. Talk to your doctor about the risks if you are pregnant or nursing before taking Lithium Carbonate. There may be an interaction between Lithium Carbonate and other medications, including: buspirone, fentanyl, St. John’s wort, tramadol, triptan migraine medicines, tryptophan, antidepressants or antipsychotic medications, MAO inhibitors, etc. Talk to your doctor about any medications or herbal supplements you are currently taking.