What is Lithobid used for?
LITHIUM is used to prevent and to treat the manic episodes caused by manic-depressive disorder.
What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking Lithobid?
Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- dehydration (diarrhea or sweating)
- heart or blood vessel disease
- kidney diseases
- low level of salt in the blood, or on a low salt diet
- an unusual or allergic reaction to lithium, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How is Lithobid should be taken?
Take it orally accompanied with a glass of water, either after a meal or snack to avoid stomach upset. Your doses should be taken at the regular intervals. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed. The amount of this medicine you take is very important. Taking more than prescribed can cause serious side effects. You should never stop taking this medicine prematurely unless your doctor specifically advised you to do so.
Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years old for selected conditions, the necessary precautions should be applied.
Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.
What to do if I missed a dose of Lithobid?
If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose (less than 4 hours), take only that dose. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.
What are the possible interactions of Lithobid with the other medicine/food/etc?
Do not take this medicine with the following:
- stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD or narcolepsy
It may also trigger possible interactions with the following:
- caffeine
- calcium iodide
- carbamazepine
- diuretics
- medicines for high blood pressure
- medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
- metronidazole
- NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
- phenytoin
- potassium iodide, KI
- sodium bicarbonate
- sodium chloride
- urea
Provide your physician with a list of all the medicine, including herbs and non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you are using. Do let them know if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use any of the illegal drugs or drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine, causing undesired consequenses. Please always consult with your health care professional prior to stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking Lithobid?
Pay regular visits to your doctor or health care professional to undergo checks on your progress. It may take several weeks of the treatment before you start to get better.
The amount of salt (sodium) in your body influences the effects of this medicine, and this medicine can increase salt loss from the body. Eat a normal diet that includes salt. Do not change to salt substitutes. Avoid changes involving diet, or medications that include large amounts of sodium like sodium bicarbonate. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice if you are not sure.
Drink plenty of fluids while you are taking this medicine. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea and colas. You will need extra fluids if you have diarrhea or sweat a lot. This will help to prevent toxic effects from this medicine. Be careful not to get overheated during exercise, saunas, hot baths, and hot weather. Consult with your doctor or health care professional if you have a high fever or persistent diarrhea.
You may experience drowsiness or dizziness symptoms. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how exactly this medicine affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are a senior patient. This is to reduce the risk of possible dizziness or fainting spells.
Does Lithobid have any possible side effects?
The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:
- blurred vision
- clumsiness or loss of balance
- confusion
- difficulty speaking or swallowing
- dizziness
- loss of appetite
- muscle weakness
- nausea, vomiting
- pain, coldness, or blue coloration of fingers or toes
- sensitivity to cold
- seizures
- slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- slurred speech
- swelling in the neck
- unusual weakness or feeling tired
- unusual weight gain
The below side effects usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):
- increased thirst
- increased frequency and urgency to pass urine
- muscle twitches
- skin rash
- stomach bloating, full feeling
- trembling of the hands
Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.
Where should I store Lithobid?
Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.
This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.