Lithium only works in approximately one-third of patients. But even if the drug does work, it comes with a raft of side effects, including nausea, muscle tremors,
emotional numbing
, weight gain, and birth defects.
What does lithium do to a normal person?
Lithium
helps reduce the severity and frequency of mania
. It may also help relieve or prevent bipolar depression. Studies show that lithium can significantly reduce suicide risk. Lithium also helps prevent future manic and depressive episodes.
Does Lithium change your personality?
Substantial affect and mood changes
are induced by lithium carbonate. Lethargy, dysphoria, a loss of interest in interacting with others and the environment, and a state of increased mental confusion were reported. No generalized effects were found in the responses to the personality inventories.
How does lithium affect behavior?
Lithium was found be effective in
treating acute manic and depressive episodes
, as well as in reducing the recurrence of mood episodes and minimizing the risk of suicidal behaviors (4, 5). Lithium is the lightest of all metals, with a density only half that of water.
Does lithium make you angry?
Although there are anecdotal
reports of people experiencing increased episodes of irritability and anger after
taking lithium, they aren’t considered side effects of the medication. Side effects of mood stabilizers such as lithium include: restlessness.
Does taking lithium shorten your life?
At high doses, lithium reduced their lifespan
. “We found low doses not only prolong life but also shield the body from stress and block fat production for flies on a high sugar diet,” said co-researcher Dr Ivana Bjedov from the UCL Cancer Institute.
How long can you stay on lithium?
The NICE guidelines for bipolar disorder recommend that you gradually reduce your dose of lithium over at least four weeks. Ideally, you would reduce it over a period of
up to three months
.
Is 300mg of lithium a lot?
Long-term Control: The desirable serum lithium levels are 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/l. Dosage will vary from one individual to another, but usually 300 mg of lithium carbonate t.i.d. or q.i.d., will maintain this level.
What are the 3 main symptoms of lithium toxicity?
Symptoms of lithium toxicity include
severe nausea and vomiting, severe hand tremors, confusion, and vision changes
. If you experience these, you should seek immediate medical attention to check your lithium levels.
What are the dangers of taking lithium?
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.
What does being on lithium feel like?
The most common side effects of lithium are feeling or being
sick, diarrhoea, a dry mouth and a metallic taste in the mouth
. Your doctor will carry out regular blood tests to check how much lithium is in your blood. The results will be recorded in your lithium record book.
What should you not say to someone with bipolar?
- “You’re Just Overreacting Again”
- “Anything That Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger”
- “Everybody Has Mood Swings Sometimes”
- “Everyone Is a Little Bipolar Sometimes”
- “You Are Psycho”
- “You’re Acting Like a Maniac”
- “I Wish I Was Manic so I Could Get Things Done”
How do you calm down someone with bipolar disorder?
- Educate yourself. The more you know about bipolar disorder, the more you’ll be able to help. …
- Listen. …
- Be a champion. …
- Be active in their treatment. …
- Make a plan. …
- Support, don’t push. …
- Be understanding. …
- Don’t neglect yourself.
Why is lithium being discontinued?
First-line treatment for bipolar disorder Priadel to be discontinued in UK from April 2021. The planned discontinuation of first-line bipolar disorder treatment Priadel has
caused concern that some patients could relapse and face hospitalisation
.
Why is lithium bad?
Lithium may also cause
irregular heartbeat
, drying and thinning of hair, alopecia, dry mouth, weight gain, itchiness, and other side effects. Long-term use may lead to kidney disease, high blood calcium levels, hyperparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, or other thyroid problems.
Can lithium damage your brain?
Prolonged lithium intoxication >2 mM can cause permanent brain damage
. Lithium has low mutagenic and carcinogenic risk. Lithium is still the most effective therapy for depression.
