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Lithium Side Effects

Bipolar Medications Library

By Kimberly Read & Marcia Purse, About.com

Updated: July 05, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

List of Lithium side effects. Lithium - sold under various brand names - is a naturally occurring element often prescribed as a mood stabilizer in treating bipolar disorder.

Common Lithium Side Effects:

Check with your doctor if any of the following Lithium side effects continue or are bothersome:

Increased frequency of urination or loss of bladder control - more common in women than in men, usually beginning 2 to 7 years after start of treatment; increased thirst; nausea (mild); trembling of hands (slight)

Less Common Lithium Side Effects:

Check with your doctor if any of the following Lithium side effects continue or are bothersome:

Acne or skin rash; bloated feeling or pressure in the stomach; muscle twitching (slight)

Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

Early symptoms of Lithium overdose or toxicity: Diarrhea; drowsiness; loss of appetite; muscle weakness; nausea or vomiting; slurred speech; trembling

Late symptoms of overdose or toxicity: Blurred vision; clumsiness or unsteadiness; confusion; convulsions (seizures); dizziness; increase in amount of urine; trembling (severe)

Notify your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the following Lithium side effects:

Less Common: Fainting; fast or slow heartbeat; irregular pulse; troubled breathing (especially during hard work or exercise); unusual tiredness or weakness; weight gain

Rare: Blue color and pain in fingers and toes; coldness of arms and legs; dizziness; eye pain; headache; noises in the ears; vision problems

Signs of Low Thyroid Function: Dry, rough skin; hair loss; hoarseness; mental depression; sensitivity to cold; swelling of feet or lower legs; swelling of neck; unusual excitement

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other Lithium side effects, check with your doctor.

Disclaimer: This is not intended to be all-inclusive or to replace information provided by your doctor or with the prescription from the manufacturer.

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