How it works
The exact working methodology of the drug remains unknown but it alters the balance of certain chemicals and prevents the manic episode from occuring.
Guidelines for usage
Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or as mentioned in the instruction booklet/product label.
Always use only as prescribed. Never exceed the dosage.
Lithium Carbonate may be used with or without food.
Doctors recommend that you swallow the whole tablet/capsules with a glass of water unless it is specified that it can be broken or chewed.
NOTE: Use only if prescribed to you and intended for your use. Do not share with others.
Missed Dose
It is common for people to forget their dosage times and miss doses.
Do not panic if you have missed a dose.
Instead, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double up or take more than what the doctor has prescribed.
How & where do I store Lithium Carbonate?
The medicine label contains detailed instructions regarding safe storage of the medication. Most medicines are best stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Some medications may require to be refrigerated. Please check the product label.
Keep it away from the reach of children. Ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.
Ask your pharmacist about safely disposing off medication that is past expiry date.
Overdose Related Information
If you accidentally consume more medication than what was prescribed, then contact an emergency healthcare center immediately.
Safety Information
Safety Information/ Warning Precautions
Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before you start using any new medication.
Ensure that you mention the following:
Any prior serious ailment, lifestyle disease or surgery
All the prescription drugs, OTC health supplements, herbal supplements that you are using currently
Your alcohol intake and whether you smoke or not
Any history of a known allergic reaction to prescription drugs or food
This will allow your healthcare provider to prescribe the apt dosage of the medication for you.
To be avoided
You must avoid using Lithium Carbonate if it you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if:
You have moderate to severe kidney, heart, or blood vessel problems; you have low blood sodium levels
You are severely dehydrated, ill, or weakened
You are taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (e.g., enalapril) or a diuretic (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide).
Using Alcohol
Lithium Carbonate is known to cause drowsiness or dizziness. Your vision may be blurred and your judgement affected if you consume alcohol with this medication. So, avoid using alcohol while using Lithium Carbonate.
These effects may also get aggravated due to hot weather or fever or severe exercise. So, be cautious when you stand up after a long time from a sitting or lying position. If you feel giddy then lie down immediately and seek medical help.
Possible Drug & Food Interactions
Certain prescription drugs or health supplements or even food items are known to interact with the effects of medications. Lithium Carbonate is known to have possible interactions with the following medications.
Additional Information
Lithium Carbonate can trigger suicidal thoughts or actions especially in young adults, children and teenagers. The chances of this occuring are higher in people suffering from bipolar disorder. So patients taking Lithium Carbonate must be monitored closely. Even the slight change in their mood or behavior like depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks must reported to the doctor.
Lithium Carbonate can interfere with the results of certain laboratory tests like blood lithium levels and kidney function tests. If one of these tests are prescribed for you, then we recommend that you speak to your lab technician that you are using Lithium Carbonate before you undertake the test.
If your doctor has prescribed laboratory tests then ensure that you do not miss out on them.
Elderly people are more likely to experience side effects while using Lithium Carbonate. If the side effects are bothersome, then seek medical help.
It is not clear whether Lithium Carbonate is safe for use by children below 12 years of age. So, if the patient is under this age, then speak to your doctor regarding the possible risks.
If you are involved in any activity that causes extra sweating or loss of vital salts, then ensure that you get them replenished in your diet. Do not alter your diet or salt intake without consulting your doctor.
Important Information for Pregnant Women
Lithium Carbonate is categorized under FDA category D.
Discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider before using the medication.
Certain medications may be found in breast milk so speak to your child’s doctor to rule out any possibilities of risk.
