Will lithium make me a zombie?

About 1 person in 10 to 15 gets dull, flat, and “blah” (the “lithium made me a zombie” effect, overrepresented in online testimonials). I explain to my patients in advance that if this happens, we’ll give up on it. This adverse effect does not diminish with time and generally persists even if the dose is reduced.

What is chronic lithium toxicity?

Lithium is a prescription medicine used to treat bipolar disorder. This article focuses on lithium overdose, or toxicity. Acute toxicity occurs when you swallow too much of a lithium prescription at one time. Chronic toxicity occurs when you slowly take a little too much of a lithium prescription every day for a while.

What is the most concerning side effect of lithium?

The most concerning side effects of long term lithium use are hypothyroidism and kidney problems. According to a 2015 review article , these side effects are most likely to affect women below the age of 60 years. They are also more common among people with higher-than-average concentrations of lithium in the blood.

What drug is given for lithium toxicity?

Treating Lithium Toxicity Early Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) COX-2 inhibitors (a type of NSAID)

Is 1000mg of lithium a lot?

The right dosage of lithium varies from person to person, but most people are prescribed between 900 milligrams (mg) to 1,200 mg per day, in divided doses. Some people take more than 1,200 mg per day, especially during acute episodes. Others may be more sensitive to lower doses.

Is 300mg of lithium a lot?

Long-term Control: The desirable serum lithium levels are 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/l. Dosage will vary from one individual to another, but usually 300 mg of lithium carbonate t.i.d. or q.i.d., will maintain this level.

Is 900 mg of lithium a lot?

Can lithium cause heart problems?

Introduction. Lithium overdose can be associated with cardiac toxicity, especially in those with underlying heart disease. Toxic levels of serum lithium are associated with cardiotoxic effects ranging from simple ECG disorders to dysrhythmias, cardiomyopathy and even acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Can lithium make you suicidal?

Results Patients who purchased lithium had a higher rate of suicide than persons who did not purchase lithium. Depressive and bipolar disorders are associated with a high risk of recurrence1,2 and a 10- to 15-time increased rate of suicide compared with the suicide rate in the general population.

What happens if someone overdose on lithium?

Lithium overdoses regularly result in lithium poisoning or lithium toxicity. There are a wide variety of symptoms of lithium poisoning. The effects of lithium toxicity can include memory problems, movement disorders, tremors, seizures, vomiting and diarrhea.

Is 900mg of lithium a lot?