Med Review: Lithium
The good, the bad & the ugly.
Thinking of starting a new series, where common medications are briefly reviewed in the following format. Whether you hate it or like it, let me know :)
The good: Lithium is a widely used and effective mood stabilizer in the treatment of bipolar disorder. While it’s mechanism of action is not entirely understood. It is believed to work by modulating sodium in various ways. From a high level it works to regulate the activity of neurons and reduces excitability of the cells. It is particularly effective in reducing the frequency and severity of manic episodes. It can also be used in the treatment of major depressive disorder and as an adjunctive treatment in schizophrenia.
The bad: Lithium can have a number of side effects including weight gain, tremors, and thyroid dysfunction. It also requires regular monitoring of blood levels to ensure therapeutic levels are maintained, which is important to minimize the risk of toxicity. Expect to check lithium level 7 days after every dose adjustment. Also, people taking lithium should drink enough water and avoid drugs that can affect kidney function.
The ugly: Long-term use of lithium can lead to kidney and cognitive dysfunction. It also carries a risk of overdose, especially in older adults or those with kidney or heart disease, and should be used with caution in these populations. Additionally, lithium can interact with other medications, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can increase the risk of lithium toxicity. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid lithium as it brings an increased risk of Ebstein’s Anomaly.
DISCLAIMER
This is not Medical Advice and while the writer believes what he has shared, substack dot com does not equate to strong evidence. Please do not treat patients based on what is read in this post, these are opinions of an internet stranger. Instead use these posts as a starting point for furthering your own study & education.