This medicine is used for the following purposes:
- bipolar disorder
- prevent migraine headaches
Generic Name: Lithium Carbonate
Instructions
Take the medicine with 250 mL (1 cup) of water.
You may take with food to prevent stomach upset.
This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.
Drink extra water while on this medicine. Adults should try to drink 6-8 cups (48 to 64 oz.) of water every day.
It may take several weeks for this medicine to fully work.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is less than 4 hours to the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses of this medicine at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
The foods you eat can change how well this medicine works. Tell your doctor about the types of food you normally eat. Ask your doctor for a list of foods that can affect this medicine. Do not significantly change the foods you normally eat while on this medicine.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
If you drink alcohol regularly, please speak with your doctor.
Avoid becoming overheated during exercise or other activities. Try to stay cool in hot weather.
Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed, has thoughts of suicide, or shows changes in behavior.
Contact your doctor if you notice a change in the amount or darkening of your urine.
Call the doctor if there are any signs of confusion or unusual changes in behavior.
Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. This medicine can pass through breast milk to the baby.
This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- dizziness or drowsiness
- lack of energy and tiredness
- thirst
- increased urinary frequency
- weight gain
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- loss of balance
- diarrhea
- fainting
- fever
- cold hands or feet
- fast or irregular heart beats
- pain in the joints
- muscle weakness
- unusual growth or lump on the neck
- seizures
- shakiness
- shortness of breath
- slurred speech
- unsteadiness while walking
- blurring or changes of vision
- vomiting
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about LITHIUM - ORAL
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Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.