What medications are similar to lithium?
Topics similar to or like Lithium (medication)
- Lithium carbonate Inorganic compound, the lithium salt of carbonate with the formula. ...
- Bupropion Medication primarily used to treat major depressive disorder and to support smoking cessation. ...
- Carbamazepine Anticonvulsant medication used primarily in the treatment of epilepsy and neuropathic pain. ...
What are the alternatives to lithium?
Alternatives to lithium in the prevention of relapse of recurrent affective disorders include antidepressants, carbamazepine and ECT. For the prevention of relapses of bipolar affective disorder antidepressants have the disadvantage of increasing the frequency of manic episodes. In unipolar disorder they are a valid alternative to lithium but ...
Is there a generic version of lithium carbonate?
Since the patents on these drugs have expired, generic lithium carbonate is now available. Generic lithium carbonate is available in 300 milligram (mg) capsules and 450 mg extended-release tablets. When using generic lithium carbonate, know that there are other generic medications containing lithium that may not be equivalent to lithium carbonate.
Is lithium a narcotic?
Short answer: Lithium is not a narcotic. Longer answer: Lithium Bicarbonate, AKA Lithobid and Eskalith, is a medication used most commonly to treat Bipolar Disorder. In medication classification, it's known as an "SSRI". Which stands for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. In short, a medication to help stabilize or enhance your mood.
What is the prescription name for lithium?
Lithium is indicated to treat bipolar disorder. Lithium is available under the following different brand names: Eskalith, and Lithobid.
What are some brand names of lithium?
Description and Brand NamesEskalith.Eskalith-CR.Lithobid.
Why is lithium rarely prescribed?
It has long been known that lithium has toxic effects on the thyroid gland and the kidneys. The thyroid toxicity, caused primarily by lithium's interference with thyroid hormones' release from the gland (19) affects up to 19% of treated patients (20).
What is lithium most commonly prescribed for?
Lithium is used to treat mania that is part of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness). It is also used on a daily basis to reduce the frequency and severity of manic episodes.
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 is the best alternative to lithium?
Calcium ions could be used as a greener, more efficient, and less expensive energy storage alternative to lithium-ions in batteries because of its abundance and low cost, according to a study.
How long can you stay on lithium?
If you have bipolar disorder, you may be offered lithium for a longer period, to prevent or reduce your risk of relapse. Your doctor may suggest that you commit to taking lithium for at least six months, possibly longer. This is because it can take some time to make sure the medication is working effectively.
Why is lithium taken at night?
Take your lithium each night at the same time. You need to take it at night because blood tests need to be done during the day, 12 hours after a dose (see Section 4 'Blood tests after starting to take lithium').
What organs are affected by lithium?
Lithium has adverse effects on the kidneys, thyroid gland and parathyroid glands, necessitating monitoring of these organ functions through periodic blood tests. In most cases, lithium-associated renal effects are relatively mild.
What are the long term side effects of taking lithium?
Results: Long-term lithium treatment is associated with a reduced urinary concentrating ability, with subsequent polyuria and polidypsia and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (in 10-40% of patients).
What happens if a normal person takes lithium?
Results indicate that such a course of lithium in normals induces dysphoric mood change and psychomotor slowing, without significant relationship to either plasma or RBC lithium concentrations.
Does lithium cause weight gain or loss?
2) Although not very common, weight gain is another adverse effect seen with chronic use of lithium. 3–5) An early study had found that lithium maintenance therapy stimulated weight gains of over 10 kg in 20%, which was attributed to increased thirst in majority of individuals.
What is other names for lithium?
Lithium Brand names: Priadel, Camcolit, Liskonium, Li-Liquid.
Who is the biggest provider of lithium?
Albemarle CorporationThe world's largest lithium producer, Albemarle Corporation, operates at the Chilean resource of Salar de Atacama in partnership with the second biggest producer, Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM).
Who makes the best lithium?
Best Lithium Battery 2022 • 6 Lithium Batteries ReviewsPanasonic. CR123A.Makita. BL1820B.Duracell. 2032.Amvolt. CR2032.Energizer. Ultimate Lithium AA Batteries.EGO Power+ BA1400.
Who is the major supplier of lithium?
Where is lithium available from? With 8 million tons, Chile has the world's largest known lithium reserves. This puts the South American country ahead of Australia (2.7 million tons), Argentina (2 million tons) and China (1 million tons).
What is lithium?
Lithium is a chemical element found in nature that is sometimes used in medicines to treat certain mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder. Lithium can treat acute mania, or 'highs', and help with longer-term mood stabilisation.
What are the side effects of lithium?
It's important to weigh up these short-term side effects with the benefit lithium may have for the symptoms of the mental illness.
What is lithium toxicity?
You can develop lithium toxicity suddenly if you take too many tablets at once or combine lithium with certain other medicines.
How does lithium affect mood?
Lithium works by changing the release of chemicals in the brain. It can take some time to get the dosage right and it may be weeks or even months before it affects your mood. If you take lithium, you will need regular appointments with your doctor to make sure you are not taking too little or too much lithium.
Does lithium help with depression?
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. Therefore, your doctor may prescribe it ...
Can you take lithium while pregnant?
Talk to your doctor about managing your weight. Women who take lithium are usually advised to use other medicines while pregnant.
Does lithium help with bipolar?
Lithium is a medication used to treat certain mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder . For some people, lithium can help decrease abnormal activity in the brain, manic episodes and suicidal feelings. Short-term side effects can include shaking, fatigue, headache and gastrointestinal problems, while a long-term side effect can be weight gain.
What Is Lithium And What Does It Treat?
Lithium is a mood stabilizer medication that works in the brain. It is approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression). Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression and/or mania.
What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Lithium?
With input from you, your health care provider will assess how long you will need to take the medicine. Missing doses of lithium may increase your risk for a relapse in your mood symptoms.
Are There Specific Concerns About Lithium And Pregnancy?
If you are planning on becoming pregnant, notify your healthcare provider so that he/she can best manage your medications. People living with bipolar disorder who wish to become pregnant face important decisions. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor and caregivers.
What Happens If I Miss A Dose Of Lithium?
If you miss a dose of lithium, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is closer to the time of your next dose. Discuss this with your healthcare provider. Do not double your dose or take more than what is prescribed.
What Should I Avoid While Taking Lithium?
Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while you are taking lithium. They may decrease the benefits (e.g., worsen your condition) and increase adverse effects (e.g., sedation) of the medication.
What are possible side effects of lithium?
Signs of lithium toxicity include severe nausea and vomiting, severe hand tremors, confusion, vision changes, and unsteadiness while standing or walking. These symptoms need to be addressed immediately with a medical doctor to ensure your lithium level is not dangerously high.
Are There Any Risks For Taking Lithium For Long Periods Of Time?
Hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormone) may occur with long-term lithium use.
What is lithium used for?
It is most often prescribed for treating the mood spectrum disorder bipolar disorder (at one time better known as manic depression), as well as general depression when traditional antidepressants won’t do the job satisfactorily.
Why is lithium less commonly prescribed?
Since it is a naturally occurring salt, no pharmaceutical company can hold a patent on it. Other synthetic remedies for bipolar disorder have been developed that do not have that drawback.
Why is lithium toxic?
Lithium toxicity occurs when individuals take too much lithium, either way too much on one occasion or a little too much over a long period of time. This isn’t necessarily on purpose, because other factors can contribute to how lithium affects them. Other contributing factors include the body’s water and sodium levels and what other medications people are using.
How do you know if you are addicted to a drug?
One of the key signs of addiction is that when an individual stops taking the drug, they begin to go through withdrawal, experiencing sweats, anxiety, pain, and above all, a craving to take the drug again. In advanced dependence or addiction, all the individual wants to do is get more of the drug.
Is lithium good for depression?
Among the benefits of lithium are: It controls both mania and depression. A number of studies have shown that lithium is effective in treating bipolar disorder compared to other medications. It works in concert with antidepressants. Almost uniquely among mood stabilizers, it reduces suicidal thoughts.
How long has Melissa Knight been freelance?
Melissa Knight has been freelance writing and editing for 13 years. In that time, she’s helped clients across the globe meet their written communication needs. Now, through her writing ... Read More
What is Sunshine Behavioral Health?
Sunshine Behavioral Health strives to help people who are facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. It does this by providing compassionate care and evidence-based content that addresses health, treatment, and recovery.
Why is lithium used in medicine?
Lithium is approved the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a prescription medication for use in bipolar disorder.
What is the purpose of the CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION?
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances.
Is lithium citrate safe to take?
Side Effects. When taken by mouth: Lithium is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken appropriately with monitoring by a healthcare provider. Lithium carbonate and lithium citrate have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as prescription medications.
Does lithium affect blood pressure?
Medications for high blood pressure (Calcium channel blockers) interacts with LITHIUM. Lithium is commonly used to help fix chemical imbalances in the brain. Some medications for high blood pressure might increase the side effects of lithium, and decrease the amount of lithium in the body.
Does lithium affect serotonin?
Lithium can affect a brain chemical called serotonin. Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM, others) can also affect serotonin. Taking lithium along with dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM, others) might cause too much serotonin in the brain and serious side effects including heart problems, shivering, and anxiety could result.
Can lithium cause depression?
Taking lithium with these medications used for depression might cause there to be too much serotonin. This could cause serious side effects including heart problems, shivering, and anxiety. Some of these medications used for depression include phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and others.
Can lithium build up in the body?
Elderly individuals: As people get older, lithium can build up in the body. Also, older people tend to have other illnesses and are more likely to use many different medications. Older age, other illnesses, and use of many medications makes it more likely that someone will have lithium side effects, and some can be quite serious.
What Other Drugs Interact with Lithium?
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.
How long does lithium toxicity last?
Lithium toxicity is closely related to serum levels and can occur at therapeutic dosages; if manifestations of toxicity occur, discontinue for 24-48 hours, then resume at lower dosage. Mainitain geriatric patients on dosages that produce serum lithium concentrations at lower end of desired range.
How often should you monitor lithium?
Lower initial dosage may be used to minimize adverse drug reactions. Serum lithium should be monitored 12 hours after dose, twice weekly until serum concentration and clinical condition stabilize, and every other month thereafter.
What is the purpose of urinalysis?
Routine urinalysis and other tests may be used to evaluate tubular function (e.g., urine specific gravity or osmolality following a period of water deprivation, or 24-hour urine volume) and glomerular function (e.g., serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, or proteinuria ); during lithium therapy, progressive or sudden changes in renal function, even within normal range, indicate the need for re-evaluation of treatment
How many different drugs does lithium interact with?
Lithium has serious interactions with at least 75 different drugs. Lithium has moderate interactions with at least 134 different drugs. Lithium has mild interactions with at least 64 different drugs. This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects.
What are the side effects of lithium?
Side effects associated with use of Lithium, include the following: Less common side effects of lithium include: Extrapyramidal symptoms (i.e., muscle spasms, restlessness, slowness of movement, tremor, and irregular/jerky movements) Other side effects of lithium include: This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur.
Is lithium toxic to humans?
Toxicity is closely related to serum lithium concentrations and may occur at dosages close to therapeut ic levels; monitor therapy by measuring serum lithium
Product (s) containing lithium
Brand names: Lithium Carbonate ER, Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate Drug class (es): antimanic agents Lithium systemic is used in the treatment of:
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
What are the side effects of lithium?
With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.
What is lithium?
Lithium is an antimanic medication. Researchers don't know exactly how lithium works, but it seems to affect certain chemicals in the brain that regulate mood.
What are the risks and warnings for lithium?
Lithium can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options
How much does lithium cost?
Lithium is available as a generic medication and may be significantly cheaper compared to the brand version. Unless there is a specific reason you need the brand, the generic medication will be a better value. For even more savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Why do you take lithium with food?
You should take lithium with food to avoid stomach upset and nausea.
How does salt affect lithium?
The amount of fluids and salt in your diet can affect your lithium blood levels. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated in hot weather or during exercise, and keep your salt intake consistent. Changing the amount of salt in your diet can change the lithium levels in your blood and cause more side effects. Too little salt may cause higher blood lithium levels, while too much salt may cause your lithium levels to fall. Talk to your healthcare provider about how much fluids you should drink when taking lithium.
What is the name of the disease that causes low potassium levels?
kidney disease. low level of potassium or sodium in the blood. parathyroid disease. problems urinating. thyroid disease. an unusual or allergic reaction to lithium, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives. pregnant or trying to get pregnant. breast-feeding.
How long does it take for lithium to work?
Lithium may help to control your condition but will not cure it. It may take 1 to 3 weeks or longer for you to feel the full benefit of lithium. Continue to take lithium even if you feel well. Do not stop taking lithium without talking to your doctor.
What is lithium used for?
Expand Section. Lithium is used to treat and prevent episodes of mania (frenzied, abnormally excited mood) in people with bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disorder; a disease that causes episodes of depression, episodes of mania, and other abnormal moods). Lithium is in a class of medications called antimanic agents.
What to keep on a prescription list?
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
What is the phone number to call for poison control?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
How to dispose of unneeded medication?
However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website ( http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
What drinks contain caffeine?
Talk to your doctor about drinking drinks that contain caffeine, such as tea, coffee, cola, or chocolate milk.
How old do you have to be to die from Brugada?
Also tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family have or have ever had Brugada syndrome (a disorder that can cause a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm) or if anyone in your family has died suddenly with no explanation before the age of 45 years.
