How to Identify Lithium Toxicity Symptoms

Lithium is a powerful drug used to treat bipolar disorder. This medication is always given under a physician's strict direction as it is easy to take too much. Lithium is known as a mood stabilizer. People with bipolar disorder undergo mood swings that take them from a frantic, high energy state of mind to a low, highly depressed state. In either case, the bipolar sufferer is unable to function and will alternate from one mood to the other. Hence the name manic-depressive and bipolar. It's as if two people with two different personalities are in one person. Lithium stabilizes this disorder by moderating patients' moods and keeping them even.

Instructions

1. Know bipolar symptoms. It is important to know the symptoms of the underlying disorder. In bipolar patients, their moods can swing from one end of the spectrum to the other. They can be manic, meaning they will display high levels of energy and refuse to sleep. Their speech is non-stop and quick, much like someone high on stimulants. In a manic episode, the patient will also be extremely active and restless. If they become depressive, the symptoms are the opposite of manic. Patients are extremely low, sad and deflated. They will not want to do anything but lie around. Sometimes they will cry and express suicidal ideation. None of this is normal behavior and it means the patient needs to take his medication in order to stabilize his moods.

2. Know lithium toxicity symptoms. Milder symptoms are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to involuntary muscle contractions, swelling of the legs and uncontrollable twitching of the extremities. As lithium levels increase, you will have difficulty walking, experience dizziness, blurred vision, slurred speech and an irregular pulse. If left unchecked, lithium toxicity will lead to seizures, coma and death.

3. Undergo regular lab draws. Patients taking lithium should see their doctor regularly for lab tests that check the lithium levels in their blood. This is a good way to know if you are becoming toxic before you display any lithium overload symptoms, which are quite dangerous.

4. Contact your physician. If you think that you are becoming toxic, contact your physician immediately. He can give you an examination and draw your blood to determine if your lithium levels are too high.

Tips & Warnings

• Speak with your physician if you have any questions about your disorder or prescribed medications.

• If you experience chest pain, irregular heart rate, dizziness or lack of coordination, seek medical attention immediately.