Lithium Carbonate Drug Information
Lithium Carbonate is the generic name for several brand-name anti-manic and anti-psychotic drugs. Lithium Carbonate is prescribed to treat a wide variety of conditions; it comes with side effects, cautions and drug interactions.
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Prescribed Uses
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Lithium Carbonate is prescribed for bipolar (manic depressive) disorder, to improve white-blood cell count in patients undergoing chemotherapy, for premenstrual tension, bulimia, postpartum psychosis, overactive thyroid, HIV, and alcoholism if depression is also evident. For dandruff and genital herpes, lithium lotion is prescribed.
Effectiveness
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There are only two effective anti-manic drugs; one is Lithium Carbonate. Lithium Carbonate reduces the levels of manic episodes and can produce normal activity within three weeks of beginning treatment.
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Cautions
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Lithium Carbonate should not be taken by anyone allergic or sensitive to the ingredients, such as tartrazine dyes. Lithium Carbonate should not be used by anyone with kidney or heart disease, dehydration, low blood sodium, or is using diuretics or ACE inhibitors.
Side Effects
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Side effects are directly related to the amount of Lithium Carbonate in the blood stream. The most common side effects are thirst, excessive urination, fine hand tremor, mild nausea and discomfort.
Interactions
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Lithium Carbonate may interfere with the effectiveness of stimulant drugs and phenothiazine drugs. Lithium Carbonate may also increase the effects of neuromuscular blocking agents, SSRIs, ACE inhibitors and NSAIDs.
Special Population Warning
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For women who are pregnant or breast feeding, Lithium Carbonate can cause heart and thyroid birth defects; it also passes into breast milk. Seniors are more sensitive to the effects of Lithium Carbonate; they should be started on low dosages and carefully monitored.
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