Lithium Risks

 Lithium (Eskalith®, Eskalith CR®, Lithobid®) is a prescription medication approved to treat the symptoms of bipolar disorder and to prevent relapses.
 
In order to help ensure a safe treatment process with lithium, risks associated with the medicine should be discussed with your healthcare provider ahead of time. It is important to know that it is possible to develop lithium toxicity during treatment. Some people may be at a higher risk for this problem, such as those with kidney disease, heart disease, or low sodium levels in their blood.
 
You should let your healthcare provider know if you experience any side effects while taking this drug. Many side effects are often signs of lithium toxicity. Some of the side effects that may indicate mild to moderate lithium toxicity include increased or frequent urination, drowsiness, vomiting, and muscle weakness.
 
(Click Lithium Side Effects and Lithium Warnings and Precautions to learn about other potential lithium risks and for a list of other possible side effects that may not be related to lithium toxicity.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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