Why is this drug
prescribed?
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Lithonate is used to treat the manic
episodes of manic-depressive illness, a condition in
which a person's mood swings from depression to excessive
excitement. A manic episode may involve some or all of
the following symptoms:
Aggressiveness
Elation
Fast, urgent talking
Frenetic physical activity
Grandiose, unrealistic ideas
Hostility
Little need for sleep
Poor judgment
Once the mania subsides, Lithonate
treatment may be continued over the long term, at a
somewhat lower dosage, to prevent or reduce the intensity
of future manic episodes.
Some doctors also prescribe lithium
for premenstrual tension, eating disorders such as
bulimia, certain movement disorders, and sexual
addictions.
Most important fact about this
drug
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If the Lithonate dosage is too low,
you will derive no benefit; if it is too high, you could
suffer lithium poisoning. You and your doctor will need
to work together to find the correct dosage. Initially,
this means frequent blood tests to find out how much of
the drug is actually circulating in your bloodstream. As
long as you take Lithonate, you will need to watch for
side effects. Signs of lithium poisoning include
vomiting, unsteady walking, diarrhea, drowsiness, tremor,
and weakness. Stop taking the drug and call your doctor
if you have any of these symptoms.
How should you take this
medication?
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To avoid stomach upset, take
Lithonate immediately after meals or with food or
milk.
Do not change from one brand of
lithium to another without consulting your doctor or
pharmacist. Take the drug exactly as
prescribed.
While taking Lithonate, you should
drink 10 to 12 glasses of water or fluid a day. To
minimize the risk of harmful side effects, eat a balanced
diet that includes some salt and lots of liquids. If you
have been sweating a great deal or have had diarrhea,
make sure you get extra liquids and salt.
If you develop an infection with a
fever, you may need to cut back on your Lithonate dosage
or even quit taking it temporarily. While you are ill,
keep in close touch with your doctor.
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?
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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:
Abdominal pain, blackout spells, cavities, changes
in taste perception, coma, confusion, dehydration,
dizziness, dry hair, dry mouth, fatigue, gas, hair
loss, hallucinations, increased salivation,
indigestion, involuntary tongue movements,
involuntary urination or bowel movements, irregular
heartbeat, itching, loss of appetite, low blood
pressure, muscle rigidity, muscle twitching, painful
joints, poor memory, restlessness, ringing in ears,
seizures, sexual dysfunction, skin problems,
sleepiness, slowed thinking, slurred speech, startle
response, swelling, thinning hair, tightness in
chest, vision problems, vomiting, weakness, weight
gain, weight loss
Why should this drug not be
prescribed?
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Although your doctor will be
cautious under certain conditions, lithium may be
prescribed for anyone.
Special warnings about this
medication
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Lithonate 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 Lithonate
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 this medication
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If Lithonate 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 Lithonate 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
Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Indocin and Feldene
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)
Major tranquilizers such as Haldol and Thorazine
Methyldopa (Aldomet)
Metronidazole (Flagyl)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Sodium bicarbonate
Tetracyclines such as Achromycin V and Sumycin
Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Quibron, others)
Special information if you are
pregnant or breastfeeding
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The use of Lithonate during
pregnancy is usually not recommended because of the
possibility that it might cause birth defects. If you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately.
Lithonate appears in breast milk and
is considered potentially harmful to a nursing infant. If
this medication is essential to your health, your doctor
may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding while you are
taking it.
Recommended dosage
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ADULTS
Acute Episodes
The usual dosage is a total of 1,800
milligrams per day. Immediate-release forms are taken in
3 doses per day; long-acting forms are taken twice a day.
The usual dose of syrup is 2 teaspoons, taken 3 times a
day.
Your doctor will individualize your
dosage according to the levels of the drug in your blood.
Your blood levels will be checked at least twice a week
when the drug is first prescribed and on a regular basis
thereafter.
Long-term Control
Dosage will vary from one individual
to another, but a total of 900 milligrams to 1,200
milligrams per day is typical. Immediate-release forms
are taken in 3 or 4 doses per day; long-acting forms are
taken two or three times a day. The usual dose of syrup
is 1 teaspoon 3 or 4 times a day.
Blood levels in most cases should be
checked every 2 months.
CHILDREN
Safety and effectiveness of
Lithonate in children under 12 years of age have not been
established.
OLDER ADULTS
Older people often need less
Lithonate and may show signs of overdose at a dosage
younger people can handle well.
Overdosage
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Any medication taken in excess can
have serious consequences. If you suspect symptoms of an
overdose of Lithonate, seek medical attention
immediately.
The harmful levels are close to
those that will treat your condition. Watch for early
signs of overdose, such as diarrhea, drowsiness, lack of
coordination, vomiting, and weakness. If you develop any
of these signs, stop taking the drug and call your
doctor.
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