Lithium Carbonate tablets

What is this medicine?

LITHIUM is used to prevent and treat the manic episodes caused by manic-depressive illness.

What should my health care professional know before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• dehydration (diarrhea or sweating)
• heart or blood vessel disease
• kidney disease
• low level of salt in the blood, or on a low salt diet
• an unusual or allergic reaction to lithium, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take after a meal or snack to avoid stomach upset. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. The amount of this medicine you take is very important. Taking more than the prescribed dose can cause serious side effects. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose (less than 4 hours), take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with the following:

• stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD or narcolepsy

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• caffeine
• calcium iodide
• carbamazepine
• diuretics
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• metronidazole
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• phenytoin
• potassium iodide, KI
• sodium bicarbonate
• sodium chloride
• urea

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It can take several weeks of treatment before you start to get better.

The amount of salt (sodium) in your body influences the effects of this medicine, and this medicine can increase salt loss from the body. Eat a normal diet that includes salt. Do not change to salt substitutes. Avoid changes involving diet, or medications that include large amounts of sodium like sodium bicarbonate. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice if you are not sure.

Drink plenty of fluids while you are taking this medicine. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea and colas. You will need extra fluids if you have diarrhea or sweat a lot. This will help prevent toxic effects from this medicine. Be careful not to get overheated during exercise, saunas, hot baths, and hot weather. Consult your doctor or health care professional if you have a high fever or persistent diarrhea.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

What side effects may I notice from taking lithium?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• blurred vision
• clumsiness or loss of balance
• confusion
• difficulty speaking or swallowing
• dizziness
• loss of appetite
• muscle weakness
• nausea, vomiting
• pain, coldness, or blue coloration of fingers or toes
• sensitivity to cold
• seizures
• slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• slurred speech
• swelling in the neck
• unusually weak or tired
• unusual weight gain

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• increased thirst
• increased frequency and urgency to pass urine
• muscle twitches
• skin rash
• stomach bloating, full feeling
• trembling of the hands

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.