Lithobid

Tablets of lithium carbonate What does this drug do? LITHIUM is used to keep manic episodes from happening and to treat them when they do. What should my doctor know about this medicine before I take it? They need to know if any of these things are true about you: dehydration (diarrhea or sweating) (diarrhea or sweating) disease of the heart or blood vessels renal disease low level of salt in the blood or a low-salt diet an unusual or allergic reaction to lithium, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives trying to get pregnant or already pregnant What is the best way to take this medicine? You should swallow this medicine with a glass of water. Take after a meal or snack to keep your stomach from feeling bad. Take your dosages at regular intervals. Don't take your medicine more than the instructions say. It is very important how much of this medicine you take. Serious side effects can happen if you take more than the dose your doctor has given you. Do not stop taking unless your doctor or other health care provider tells you to. Talk to your child's doctor about giving this medicine to a child. There may be a need for extra care. For certain conditions, this drug can be given to children as young as 12 years old, but there are some things to watch out for. Overdose: Call a poison control center or emergency room right away if you think you've taken too much of this medicine. NOTE: Only you can take this medicine. Don't give this medicine to anyone else. What if I forget to take one? If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it will be less than 4 hours before your next dose, only take that dose. Do not take duplicate or additional dosages. What could go wrong if I take this medicine? You shouldn't take this medicine if you have: Stimulants are used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD. This medicine could also react badly with the following drugs: caffeine Calcium iodide, carbamazepine, diuretics, and medicines for high blood pressure, mental illness, and psychosis. metronidazole NSAIDs are painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen. They also include phenytoin, potassium iodide, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, and urea. Tell your doctor or other health care provider about any other medicines you are taking, such as over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, or herbal products. Tell your doctor or prescriber if you drink a lot of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These things could change how well your medicine works. Check with your doctor before you stop taking any of your medicines or start taking any new ones. What should I watch out for while taking this medicine? Check in with your doctor or other health care provider often to see how you're doing. Before you start to feel better, it may take a few weeks of treatment. The amount of sodium (salt) in your body affects how this medicine works, and this medicine can make your body lose more sodium. Normal meals should include salt. Don't switch to salt-free foods. Avoid making changes to your diet or taking medicines like sodium bicarbonate that have a lot of sodium in them. If you're not sure, ask your doctor or another health care professional. While you are taking this medicine, drink a lot of water. Coffee, tea, and colas all have caffeine in them, so you should stay away from them. If you have diarrhea or sweat a lot, you will need to drink more water. This will help keep this medicine from making things worse. Be careful not to get too hot when you work out, use a sauna, take a hot bath, or go outside when it's hot. If you have a high fever or diarrhea that won't go away, you should see a doctor or other health care professional. You may become tired or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything else that requires you to be mentally alert until you know how this medicine affects you. Don't stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This makes it less likely that you will get dizzy or pass out. What are the possible side effects of this medicine? You should tell your doctor or other health care professional as soon as possible if you have any of the following side effects: Vision isn't clear loss of balance or being clumsy confusion trouble speaking or swallowing; feeling dizzy a lack of appetite and weak muscles nausea, pain when throwing up, feeling cold, or fingers or toes that look blue. seizures that happen when it's cold heartbeat that is slow, fast, or not regular (palpitations) slurred words the neck is swollen weak or tired for no reason unusual weight gain Side effects that usually don't need medical help (but you should tell your doctor or health care provider if they keep happening or bother you): drank more water muscle twitches and a need to urinate more often and quickly a rash on the skin, a full, bloated stomach, and shaky hands. This list may not describe all possible side effects. Where can I store my pills? Keep out of children's reach. Keep at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). After the expiration date, throw away any medicine that hasn't been used.