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Lithium[/b:f12b3384af]
Lithium is a naturally occurring substance, given as a tablet, which is an effective way of preventing mood swings for many people. It can also strengthen the effect of antidepressants. Treatment with Lithium is usually started by a psychiatrist, although once it is stabilised it may be taken over by a GP. If this doesn??t work, there are other possibilities that you can discuss with your psychiatrist.
Starting treatment:[/b:f12b3384af]
It can take 3 months or longer for Lithium to work properly, so you may have to be patient and persistent in taking the tablets when nothing very much seems to be happening.
Side-Effects:[/b:f12b3384af]
These can happen in the first few weeks after starting Lithium treatment. They can be irritating and unpleasant but often disappear or get better with time. They may include:
Feeling thirsty
Passing more urine than usual
A blurred vision
Slight muscle weakness
Occasional loose stools
Fine trembling of the hands
A feeling of being mildly ill
Weight gain.
If the level of Lithium in your blood is too high, you will experience:
Vomiting
Staggering
Slurred speech
If this happens you must contact your doctor urgently.
Blood Tests[/b:f12b3384af]
At first you will need blood tests every few weeks to make sure that you have enough Lithium in your blood, but not too much. You will need to have these tests for as long as you take Lithium, but less often after the first few months. You will also need to have blood tests every few months to make sure that your thyroid gland is working properly.
Diet[/b:f12b3384af]
You should eat a well-balanced diet and, especially, drink regular amounts of unsweetened fluids. By doing this you can make sure you have a proper balance of salts in your body. Try to eat regularly and to avoid drinking too much tea, coffee or cola. These all contain caffeine - this makes you urinate more than usual and so can upset your Lithium levels.
Pregnancy[/b:f12b3384af]
If you become pregnant, it??s usually best to stop Lithium, but it is essential to ask your doctor about this. It is advisable not to breast feed your baby if you need to take Lithium. |
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