Eskalith

Long-acting forms of lithium, such as Eskalith CR or Lithobid, should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, crush, or break.

--If you miss a dose...

Ask your doctor what to do; requirements vary for each individual. Do not take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

The possibility of side effects varies with the level of lithium in your bloodstream. If you experience unfamiliar symptoms of any kind, inform your doctor as soon as possible.

• Side effects that may occur when you start taking lithium include:
  Discomfort, frequent urination, hand tremor, mild thirst, nausea

• Other side effects may include: Diarrhea, drowsiness, lack of coordination, muscle weakness, vomiting

Why should Eskalith not be prescribed?

Although your doctor will be cautious under certain conditions, lithium may be prescribed for anyone.

Special warnings about Eskalith

Eskalith may affect your judgment or coordination. Do not drive, climb, or perform hazardous tasks until you find out how this drug affects you.

Your doctor will prescribe Eskalith with extra caution if you have a heart or kidney problem, brain or spinal cord disease, or a weak, run-down, or dehydrated condition.

Also make sure your doctor is aware of any medical problems you may have, including diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid problems, Parkinson's disease, and difficulty urinating.

You should be careful in hot weather to avoid activities that cause you to sweat heavily. Also avoid drinking large amounts of coffee, tea, or cola, which can cause dehydration through increased urination. Do not make a major change in your eating habits or go on a weight loss diet without consulting your doctor. The loss of water and salt from your body could lead to lithium poisoning.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Eskalith

If Eskalith is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Eskalith with the following:

ACE-inhibitor blood pressure drugs such as Capoten or Vasotec
Acetazolamide (Diamox)
Amphetamines such as Dexedrine
Antidepressant drugs that boost serotonin levels, including Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft
Antipsychotic drugs such as Haldol and chlorpromazine
Bicarbonate of soda
Caffeine (No-Doz)
Calcium-blocking blood pressure drugs such as Calan and Cardizem
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Diuretics such as Lasix or HydroDIURIL
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Iodine-containing preparations such as potassium iodide (Quadrinal)
Methyldopa (Aldomet)
Metronidazole (Flagyl)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Celebrex, Feldene, and Indocin
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Sodium bicarbonate
Tetracyclines such as Achromycin V and Sumycin
Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Quibron, others)