Taking lithium safely

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Taking lithium safely

Lithium can prevent serious mood changes. Take it regularly, keep fluid and salt steady, get tests and act early if unwell.

'I felt well and delayed the tests.'

Heat, vomiting, loose stools, dehydration and some medicines can raise lithium levels.

1 SAME ROUTINE: Use the prescribed brand, dose and time. Missed a dose? Follow your written plan or ask, never double it.

2 STEADY FLUID AND SALT: Drink enough in hot weather. Call the prescriber during fever, vomiting, loose stools, dehydration, fasting or a big diet change.

3 MONITOR: Tests may check lithium, kidneys, thyroid, calcium and weight. Follow the blood-sample instructions.

4 CHECK INTERACTIONS: Before any new medicine, including painkillers, ask a doctor or pharmacist.

Helpful and harmful levels can be close. Blood tests and symptoms both matter.

TELL YOUR DOCTOR: New or worse fine hand shake; much more thirst or urine; nausea or loose stools; weight, tiredness or thinking changes.

Carry a lithium card or medicine list to every health visit. Planning pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding? Contact the prescriber soon. Do not stop lithium on your own.

FAMILY: Know danger signs. Arrange urgent care. Bring the medicine packs. Do not offer other medicines, change salt or fluids, or advise a dose change.

POSSIBLE LITHIUM POISONING: Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea; coarse tremor; unsteady walking, falls or weakness; slurred speech; marked drowsiness or confusion; blurred vision, collapse or seizure. Do not take another lithium dose. Get urgent medical care now and take the medicine pack. Do not drive. Call 112 for severe symptoms, collapse, a seizure or unsafe transport. Tele-MANAS 14416 / 1800-89-14416.

Dr. Wilfred D'souza, Dr. Niharika Reddy. weave.clinic/family