Uses of Lithium Carbonate

Lithium Carbonate is used in adults to treat and prevent mania, or manic depression and recurrent depression. It is also used to control behavioural disorders like aggression and intentional self-harm.

Therapeutic Category

Lithium Carbonate: Mood stabilizers

How Lithium Carbonate works

Lithium Carbonate works by suppressing the abnormal and excessive activity of neurons in the brain. It reduces the activity of excitatory neurotransmitters (such as dopamine and glutamate) and increases the activity of inhibitory neurotransmission (GABA) which helps in reducing the symptoms of mania and depression.

Common side effects of Lithium Carbonate

• Nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting
• Dry mouth and changes in taste
• Kidney problems (increased urination or thirst, swollen ankles)
• Thyroid problems (hypothyroidism or tumour in thyroid gland)
• Mild tremor (shaking of hands)
• Feeling tired or sleepy
• Weight gain
• Cognitive impairment (loss of memory), difficulty in thinking
• Sexual dysfunction
• Skin problems (including skin rash, itching, worsening of psoriasis or acne and hair loss)
• Increased blood calcium, magnesium and sugar levels
• Hand trembling
• Excessive urination
• Increased thirst
• General discomfort (beginning of treatment)
• Dizziness
• Difficulty walking
• Decreased appetite
• Blurred vision

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• if you experience changes in heart rhythm like slow, fast or irregular heartbeat
• if you experience Signs of serotonin syndrome such as Fever, confusion, agitation, shaking, abrupt contractions of muscles
• if you experience Neuroleptic malignant syndrome such as fever with rigid muscles, agitation, confusion, sweating, or jerky muscle movements
• if you experience Continuous headaches and/or visual disturbances
• if you experience Rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscles leading to kidney problems)
• if you experience Serious disturbance in mental abilities that results in confusion and reduced awareness of the environment
• if you experience Abnormal heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhoea, drowsiness, muscle weakness or twitching, blurred vision, clumsiness, ringing in your ears
• if you experience Low blood sodium levels (excessive sweating, diarrhoea)
• if you experience Brugada Syndrome (feeling abnormal heartbeats)
• if you experience Increased pressure in the brain and swelling in the eye (severe headaches behind your eyes, ringing in the ears, blurred or double vision, brief periods of blindness)
• if you experience allergic reaction (rash, trouble swallowing or breathing, swollen lips, face, throat or tongue)
• if you experience Cloudy or foamy urine
• if you experience Feeling dazed, delirious or loss of consciousness
• if you experience Memory problems
• if you experience Mental problems
• if you experience Fits or seizures
• if you experience Involuntary eye movements
• if you experience Benign/malignant kidney tumours in long-term treatment (microcysts, oncocytoma, or collecting duct renal carcinoma)
• if you experience Lichenoid drug reaction (eruption of the skin or mucous membranes)
• if you experience Hyperthyroidism (fast heartbeat, sweating, stress, increased appetite, weight loss, weakness, heat intolerance)
• if you experience Hypothyroidism (tiredness, cold skin, dry hair, thinning of hair or fingernails, hoarse voice, joint or muscle pain, weight gain)
• if you experience Hyperparathyroidism (increased thirst and urination, tiredness, depression, muscle aches or pains, bone or joint pain, upset stomach)
• if you experience Gastritis (indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, black tarry faeces, bloody stools, blood or dark bits in your vomit)
• if you experience Peripheral neuropathy (numbness, weakness, pain in the arms and legs)

Health Tips for Lithium Carbonate

• Follow regular physical exercise and healthy eating habits
• Reduce stress levels by doing meditation or stretching exercise. Take rest and relax
• Maintain a healthy sleep cycle for 8 hours
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy or breast feeding
• Do not drive or operate any machines while or after taking lithium as it may cause dizziness or other nervous disorder