Side Effects of Lithium for Bipolar Disorder

Lithium is a silvery white element used in several minerals. It is extensively used as its applications are found in diverse fields. In medical field, it is used to treat mood disorders. Lithium is combined with other salts to form carbonates. Lithium carbonate and lithium citrate are used extensively for treating bipolar disorders. Let us know more on it.

Bipolar Disorder and Lithium
Bipolar disorder can be defined as a mental disorder characterized by bouts or episodes of depression and mania. This disorder usually occurs in childhood or at an early adulthood. Bipolar disorders are serious in nature which can hamper a person's normal thinking and functioning capacity. A person suffering from this disorder experiences severe mood swings that range from sudden happy or euphoric feeling to extreme depression. The duration of the mood swings is extremely erratic which can be a cause of problem and concern for the person as well as other people.

Lithium carbonate is the drug that is prescribed in such cases to lessen the intensity of the mood swings. It is also helpful in preventing the occurrence of these mood swings to a great extent. The exact function of lithium on human body is unknown, however, doctors believe that it acts on the central nervous system (CNS) and helps in stabilizing changing moods. Lithium also helps in reducing the occurrence of suicidal thoughts. For all its benefits, lithium is extensively used for treating bipolar disorders. However, similar to other drugs and medications, there are several side effects related to the use of lithium. Let us have a look at lithium carbonate side effects in detail.

Side Effects of Lithium Medication
Like all medications, lithium has its own share of side effects. Similarly, the side effects range from minor to severe and also vary from person to person. Doctors always counsel patients about the potential side effects of drugs and medication. However, if other symptoms are observed, the person should immediately consult the doctor. Here are some potential lithium side effects.

Mild Effects
The following are the common or mild side effects of drugs containing lithium.

• Tremors in hand
• Weakness
• Thirst
• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Frequent urination
• Hair loss
• Acne
• Dry mouth

Severe Effects
In serious cases, lithium can be an obstacle in the functioning of the important systems of the body like the central nervous system, the renal system, the endocrine system, etc. The signs and symptoms of lithium can be life-threatening. They include:

• Hyperglycemia
• Hypothyroidism
• Incontinence
• Seizures
• Blurred vision
• Irregular heartbeat
• Irregular breathing
• Loss of coordination
• Loss of consciousness
• Giddiness
• Weight gain
• Psoriasis
• Decrease in libido
• Interstitial fibrosis
• Diabetes insipidus

Side Effects in Children
All the above mentioned lithium side effects can also be seen in case of children. However, tremor is one of the most common side effects that is definitely seen in children as well as adults. On the other hand, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting are the common side effects of lithium in children. There are higher chances of damage or impairment to the central nervous system (CNS) due to lithium, in case of children and infants.

However, one should remember that this is not an exhaustive list and there are chances of occurrence of other side effects. If one observes any negative effects of lithium treatment, he should consult the doctor immediately. Lastly, it is advisable to never commence or end lithium drug treatment without the prescription of the doctor.