Lithobid is used to treat manic-depressive disorder (bipolar disorder). Manic depression symptoms include hyperactivity, rushed speech, poor judgment, reduced need for sleep, aggression, and anger. Lithobid works to stabilize the mood and reduce extremes in behavior by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
Directions
Take Lithobid exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take lithium with or immediately after meals to lessen stomach upset. Drink 8 to 12 glasses of water or other fluid each day, and maintain a healthy diet with normal amounts of salt (sodium). Large changes in the amount of salt in your diet may change your lithium blood levels. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
Precautions
Before taking Lithobid you should talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it, if you have heart disease, kidney disease, urinary problems, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), seizures, Parkinson's disease, leukemia, severe dehydration (severe loss of body water), any infection with high fever, a certain skin disorder (psoriasis). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Contraindications
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to lithium, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication. It is not recommended in children under 12 years of age.
Possible side effect
Get emergency medical help if you have extreme thirst, urinating more or less than usual, weakness, feeling light-headed, eye pain, vision problems, hallucinations, seizure, fainting, slow heart rate, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, muscle weakness, tremor, lack of coordination, blurred vision, hives, difficulty breathing, itching skin,swelling of your face, lips, loss of appetite, stomach pain. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.
Drug interactions
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac), medicines to treat psychiatric disorders (haloperidol, chlorpromazine, quetiapine), diuretics (chlorthalidone, furosemide, indapamide), calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, verapamil), ACE inhibitors (lisinopril, ramipril, perindopril), metronidazole, fluoxetine, carbamazepine, aminophylline, acetazolamide. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose
If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, trouble walking, unusual drowsiness, seizures, shaking, loss of consciousness.
Storage
Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.
Note
The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.
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