Lithium is a state of mind stabilizer and can aid to treat or avoid mania. It can likewise be made use of to lower the frequency of depression episodes.
Take this drug as directed by your physician. It is important to drink lots of liquids while taking this medicine. Lithium may engage with particular medicines that impact serotonin (such as antidepressants, SSRIs, MAO preventions). Inform your doctor concerning every one of your medicines.
Mood Disorders
Lithium is often made use of to deal with bipolar affective disorder, a mental disorder that causes very rapid changes between the severe moods of depression and mania. Bipolar illness can make it difficult to live a typical life and can cause significant issues in relationships, job or college. Lithium assists to prevent these severe mood changes and lowers the intensity of depression and mania.
The very early research studies of lithium at Glostrup Psychiatric Hospital in the 1960s and 1970s offered persuading proof that it can reduce the regularity of hospitalizations for clinical depression (38 ). Baastrup and Schou's placebo-controlled discontinuance research study was especially vital since it revealed that individuals relapsed on sugar pill however out lithium (39 ).
Your physician will inspect your blood levels consistently to make certain you are taking the correct quantity of lithium. It is essential to consume alcohol lots of liquids while taking this medicine. Your medical professional may recommend a low-sodium diet plan while you are taking this medication.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Lithium is a mineral so soft you can suffice with a knife therefore light it floats on water. It is located naturally in the setting, with studies connecting low levels of it to psychological and mental illness and fierce criminal activity. The mineral was contributed to sodas in the 1960s, where it brightened state of minds and helped individuals concentrate and concentrate-- therefore the name, 7-Up.
Lithium decreases mania by raising the action of an enzyme that controls neurotransmitters, reducing glutamate degrees, and helping to stabilize various other chemicals in the brain. It has actually additionally been shown to have antidepressant impacts and boost sleep, irritation, aggression, and stress and anxiety in ADHD people.
People taking lithium ought to have normal blood tests to keep an eye on degrees-- too high can be hazardous. It is necessary to allow medical professionals know about other medications and supplements taken, as some can interact with it. Tell your physician if you have diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, tremblings, weak point, unstable walking, or fainting (particularly after workout). Use efficient birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
Hyperthyroidism.
Lithium may be utilized as a short-term treatment for overactive thyroid glands (hyperthyroidism). This is especially important if the person has Tomb illness or various other autoimmune problems like thyroiditis or Hashimoto's condition. Lithium inhibits the release of thyroid hormone by obstructing iodine uptake at the thyroid gland via the sodium-iodide symporter and by interfering with tyrosine iodination. [9] Lithium also inhibits thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) excitement and reduces the manufacturing of thyroxine from tyrosine in the thyroid gland. [10] Nonetheless, lithium usage may lead to hypothyroidism and a goiter in some patients. [11] Hence, frequent evaluation of thyroid function examinations and size is recommended in patients on lithium treatment.
It is essential to talk about the benefits and risks of this medication with your medical therapy for mental health professional prior to beginning it. It is also important to stay clear of items reduced in sodium (salt) while taking this medication and beverage enough fluids. If you have any troubles, call your physician or the emergency department today.
Epilepsy.
The anticonvulsant results of lithium are well established from both medical and speculative studies. It is necessary to keep in mind that unlike a few primitive clinical records and the lithium-pilocarpine animal model, a variety of recent studies show that lithium in restorative levels does not lower the seizure threshold but in fact reduces the threshold for seizure event.
This is thought to be due to the truth that lithium enhances cholinergic task, prevents phosphoinositide metabolism and GSK-3b signalling. It additionally lowers glutamate excitotoxicity by boosting NMDA receptor agonist-evoked apoptotic currents and boosts the endogenous nitric oxide synthase task in neurons [36]
Lithium is well endured by the majority of people with bipolar disorder, yet it has a few negative effects that should be taken into consideration. These consist of a decreased capacity to concentrate pee (nephrogenic diabetic issues insipidus) and a rise in the concentration of lithium in the blood (lithium poisoning). It is as a result very crucial to follow your doctor's directions about having routine blood tests.
