Staying Safe from Lithium Side Effects
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Sadly, the list of lithium side effects is quite lengthy, and the adverse symptoms one may experience while taking the drug can be quite dangerous. Lithium acts as a mood stabilizer for individuals with bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depression) and is found to be a particularly effective treatment, because it can control both the upswings and downswings in mood that can be brought on during manic episodes.
A person with bipolar disorder may experience mania, which involves bouts of hyperactivity, anger, and restlessness. On the other hand, they may feel lethargic and unmotivated (depression). These changes in behavior may occur very suddenly.
How Lithium Works
However, when a person ingests lithium, the body’s flow of sodium is altered, which impacts how nerve cells interacts, tempering moods swings in the process. While lithium has become one of the most prominent treatment methods for treating bipolar disorder over the years, there are a number of side effects, both minor and major, that individuals taking medicines with lithium (namely Lithobid) should be aware of. Consulting the pharmaceutical drugs list can keep you safe from side effects.
Side Effects of Lithium
An individual may experience minor lithium side effects in the form of nausea, mild thirst, hand tremors, itching, or weakness. While these symptoms are often fleeting and non-serious, it is recommended that anyone who experiences them should consult with their doctor about possible alternative treatments.
The more major adverse side effects of lithium may affect virtually any of the various systems and organs of the body, including the heart, vision, muscles, and metabolism. The symptoms may generally include chills, fever, muscle stiffness, heightened thirst, hallucinations, or seizure. An individual whose central nervous system is adversely affected may also experience blackouts or comas.
Thankfully, smaller dosages are available for anyone who should find themselves experiencing any of these lithium side effects.
Learning More about Lithium
Although lithium is highly effective in treating the extreme mood swings of bipolar disorder, it is also potentially toxic and must be taken with great care. To learn more about the side effects of lithium, it is encouraged that you consult the prescription drugs a to z database, which contains information ranging from side effects to dosage information. After all, the more you know about the medicines you’re taking, the healthier and happier you’ll be.
