Medications and Drugs
Brand Names: Eskalith, LithobidGeneric Name: lithium (Pronunciation: LITH ee um)
What is lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)?Lithium affects the flow of sodium through nerve and muscle cells in the body. Sodium affects excitation or mania. Lithium is used to treat the manic episodes of manic depression. Manic symptoms include hyperactivity, rushed speech, poor judgment, reduced need for sleep, aggression, and anger. Lithium also helps to prevent or lessen the intensity of manic episodes. Lithium may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide. What are the possible side effects of lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)?Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking lithium and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. What is the most important information I should know about lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)?Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Call your doctor at once if you have any early signs of lithium toxicity, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, muscle weakness, tremor, lack of coordination, blurred vision, or ringing in your ears. Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Drink extra fluids to keep from getting dehydrated while you are taking lithium. Tell your doctor if you have been sweating excessively, or if you are sick with fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough. Lithium can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Next Page: (Page 1 of 3) |
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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressants that affect serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter. For many people, SSRIs are the first choice of depression treatment selected by health care providers.
SSRIs, which are medications available only by prescription, may be used to treat depression. If a person’s symptoms indicate that he or she has depression, a health care provider will strongly recommend treatment. Treatment may include supportive therapy, such as changes in lifestyle and behavior, psychotherapy, and complementary therapies, but it almost always includes medication. Without treatment, depression symptoms may become worse or last much longer, making recovery difficult. With treatment, the chances of recovery from depression are very high.
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