Lithium carbonate

Information about Lithium carbonate

Lithium carbonate uses

Lithium carbonate is used for mania and bipolar disoder.

How lithium carbonate works

Lithium carbonate works by suppressing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

Common side effects of lithium carbonate

Tremor, Slurred speech, Uncoordinated body movements, Nausea, Acne, Increased white blood cell count, Memory impairment, Hair loss, Enlarged thyroid gland, Skin rash, Increased thirst, Weight gain, Polyuria, Diarrhea

Written By

Dr. Swati Mishra

BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Varun Gupta

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated on:

13 Jun 2019 | 11:06 AM (IST)

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Read Our Editorial Policy

Available Medicine for Lithium carbonate

Lithosun
₹15 to ₹145
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
3 variant(s)
Licab
₹15 to ₹45
Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd
2 variant(s)
Intalith
₹15 to ₹28
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
2 variant(s)
Lithic
₹14 to ₹44
Icon Life Sciences
3 variant(s)
Manicarb
₹15 to ₹50
Psychotropics India Ltd
4 variant(s)
Lithex
₹16 to ₹41
Shine Pharmaceuticals Ltd
2 variant(s)
Litholent
₹14 to ₹43
Talent India
2 variant(s)
Lithocent
₹15 to ₹38
Crescent Therapeutics Ltd
2 variant(s)
Lalithium
₹15 to ₹28
La Pharmaceuticals
2 variant(s)
Litca
₹15 to ₹32
D D Pharmaceuticals
2 variant(s)

Expert advice for Lithium carbonate

Lithium carbonate is one of the most effective long-term treatment for bipolar disorder.
It may also be used for the treatment of mania.
Your lithium blood levels, thyroid function, and kidney function may be monitored as long as you take this medicine.
It may cause diarrhea and dehydration. Drink plenty of water and and use normal amounts of salt. Inform your doctor if you start or stop a low-salt diet.
Monitor your weight during treatment as Lithium carbonate can cause weight gain.
Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
Inform your doctor if you have persistent stomach upset, problems with your speech, or extreme drowsiness. Your dose may need to be adjusted.
Do not take Lithium carbonate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.

Frequently asked questions for Lithium carbonate

Lithium carbonate

Q. Can I take Lithium carbonate for depression, anxiety?

Lithium carbonate can be taken to treat depression and anxiety. Do consult your doctor before use

Q. What can I take with Lithium carbonate for a headache or pain?

Acetaminophen or aspirin can be taken with Lithium carbonate for headache or pain. Do consult your doctor before use

Q. Can I take lithium with ibuprofen, Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Benadryl?

Lithium when taken with ibuprofen, fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft) or Benadryl can lead to increased side effects. Do consult your doctor before use

Q. Does Lithium carbonate cause weight gain, acne, constipation, make you tired or make you high?

Lithium carbonate can cause weight gain, acne, constipation, make you tired. Lithium carbonate does not make you high.