Antimanic/Mood Stabilizing Drugs

Question 1

lithium carbonate (Carbolith) - Indications Indications

Answer 1

• Bipolar disorders,
especially the manic
phase

Question 2

lithium carbonate (Carbolith) - ADRs

Answer 2

• Nausea, fatigue, thirst, 
   polyuria, and fine hand 
   tremors
• Weight gain
• Hypothyroidism
• EARLY signs of toxicity: 
   diarrhea, vomiting, 
   drowsiness, muscle 
   weakness, lack of 
   coordination

Question 3

lithium carbonate (Carbolith) - Nursing implications

Answer 3

• Lithium excreted by kidneys.   
  Maintain serum levels 0.5 – 
  1.5 mEq/L. Assess 
  electrolytes, especially 
  sodium.
• Obtain baseline renal, 
  cardiac &  thyroid status
  before lithium begun.
• Teach EARLY signs of  
  lithium toxicity. If drug is 
  discontinued, coma, 
  convulsions, and death may 
  occur.
• Teach client to keep salt 
  usage consistent.
• Diurectics contraindicated. 
  Sodium depletion can 
  increase lithium levels 
  causing toxicity.

Question 4

lithium carbonate blood therapeutic range

Answer 4

Maintain serum levels 0.5 –

1.5 mEq/L.