How should this medicine be used?

Lithium comes as a tablet, capsule, extended-release (long-acting) tablet, and solution (liquid) to take by mouth. The tablets, capsules, and solution are usually taken three to four times a day.The extended-release tablets are usually taken two to three times a day. Take lithium at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take lithium exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole; do not split, chew, or crush it.

Your doctor may increase or decrease the dose of your medication during your treatment. Follow these directions carefully.

Lithium may help to control your condition but will not cure it. It may take 1-3 weeks or longer for you to feel the full benefit of lithium. Continue to take lithium even if you feel well. Do not stop taking lithium without talking to your doctor.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Lithium may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• restlessness
• fine hand movements that are difficult to control
• loss of appetite
• stomach pain or bloating
• gas
• indigestion
• weight gain or loss
• dry mouth
• excessive saliva in the mouth
• tongue pain
• change in the ability to taste food
• swollen lips
• acne
• hair loss
• unusual discomfort in cold temperatures
• constipation
• depression
• joint or muscle pain
• thin, brittle fingernails or hair

Some side effects may be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• tiredness
• shaking of a part of your body that you cannot control
• muscle weakness, stiffness, twitching, or tightness
• loss of coordination
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• excessive thirst
• frequent urination
• giddiness
• ringing in the ears
• slow, jerky movements
• movements that are unusual or difficult to control
• blackouts
• seizures
• slurred speech
• fast, slow, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
• chest tightness
• confusion
• hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
• crossed eyes
• painful, cold, or discolored fingers and toes
• headache
• pounding noises inside the head
• changes in vision
• paleness
• itching
• rash
• swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

Lithium may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms while you are taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• diarrhea
• vomiting
• upset stomach
• drowsiness
• muscle weakness
• loss of coordination