Lithium Side Effects

Lithium is mainly used in the treatment of bipolar depression, that is, mania in bipolar disorder. It does not really cure the disorder but is helpful in controlling depression symptoms. It has shown positive results with many who have taken it as a treatment for manic bipolar disorder. In bipolar disorder treatment lithium affects the neurotransmitters, which is a certain chemical in the brain. Like any other medication, lithium side effects may be major or minor, but all those who consume it may need not necessarily experience these symptoms. They may experience a few of the symptoms in varying intensity and the frequency in which they are experienced.

Lithium Side Effects
Lithium side effects can be tolerated by some and for others it may be a cause of major concern. These side effects may also lead to other ailments and can cause a lot of discomfort for the patient. Side effects of lithium also differ depending upon its form which is being consumed. Certain side effects may also occur due to lithium overdose, that leads to toxicity of lithium in the body. Mentioned below are some of the side effects of lithium, depending upon its form, that is consumed and the body systems that experience the side effect.

Side Effects of Lithium Tablets
The various common and mild side effects caused by lithium tablets include increased thirst, nausea and discomfort and mild trembling of the hands. This is usually observed in the beginning of the treatment. The severe side effects include diarrhea, persistent nausea or vomiting, fainting, drowsiness and giddiness, excessive and rapid weight gain, muscle weakness, blurred vision and difficulty in speech. These side effects may persist and if it becomes vexatious, immediate consultation with a medical practitioner is required.

Side Effects of Lithium Syrup
The side effects of lithium when consumed as a syrup, mainly results in lithium toxicity. It includes severe side effects like seizures, loss of coordination of the muscles, slow or irregular heartbeat, twitching of the muscles, allergies like rashes and hives, swelling of the mouth, face and neck, confusion, tinnitus, uncontrollable and involuntary urination and bowel movements. These side effects can cause major discomfort for the patient and needs immediate medical attention. Lithium toxicity, if not treated immediately, can also lead to death.

Lithium Side Effects on Body Systems

Side Effects on Endocrine System: The most important side effect of lithium on the endocrine system is, that it limits the secretion of thyroxine and triiodothyronine and increases thyrotropin activity causing ailments like goiter, hyperglycemia, hypothyroidism and myxedema.

Side Effects on Nervous System: Hand tremors, blackouts, vertigo, insomnia, incontinence, seizures, coma, lethargy, etc. are the side effects of lithium on the nervous system.

Side Effects on Renal System: Renal side effects of lithium like nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, abnormalities in serum electrolyte, sodium loss, dehydration, glomerular sclerosis, renal tubular acidosis, tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis, nephrotic syndrome, etc. have been reported in a few of the patients being treated with lithium.

Side Effects on Cardiovascular System: Side effects of lithium on the cardiovascular system can be life-threatening. These include low blood pressure, collapse of the peripheral circulatory system, changes in EKG like, inversion of the T wave, sinus node dysfunction, etc.

Dermatological Side Effects: These include excessive hair loss or alopecia, skin allergies like skin rashes and hives, acne, psoriasis, ulcers and eruptions. These are common side effects and can be eliminated easily.

Other side effects of lithium include dry mouth, weight loss and edema, decrease in libido and sperm count.

If any of these symptoms persist, treatment with lithium would have to be stopped completely. It is always advisable to consume lithium tablets or syrup, as per the dosage prescribed and to discuss any side effects with your doctor, as soon as they appear.