Lithium

Question 1

Lithium

Answer 1

only true mood stabilizer
-prevent/treat both Mania & Depression.

-Lithium ion- salt form usually Lithium Carbonate- cannot be patented (naturally occurring).

Recog in 1800s- calming, traq, naturally present Perrier water.
-7-up originally lithium drink.

Question 2

Lithium dudes

Answer 2

Carl Lange- pioneer (James-Lange emotions)- Danish.

Cade- Australian 1949.

Mogens Schou (1960s)- established it as treatment permanently= personal (brother used Li)
---controversy= lot ppl against use of Li.

Question 3

Li uses

Answer 3

1- First discovered as tranq & anti-d.
2- later- niche prevent both mania/depress in Bipolar I
–prophylactic/preventive. -took many years prove effective.
3- unknown mode of action- no popular/accepted theory.
4- narrow therapeutic range (window)- too low doesn’t work, too high toxic- everyone needs diff dose.
5- Dangerous OD- toxic to fetus.
6- severe side effects- tremor, dry mouth, weight gain, dulled & unresponsive.
7- reduces suicide. -sudden stop rapid increase risk, above baseline.
8- Dependence- take for long time- will be prolonged withdrawal symps.

Question 4

Considerable demand for agents as effective as Li without probs
-led to “mood stablilisers” multidrug cocktails.

Answer 4

1- Anticonvulsants (antii-epileptics)- stabilize mood.
2- SSRI anti-ds.
3- Antipsychotics- prevent Mania.
4- Bzs- treat SSRI side effects.
5- Psychostimulants- treat antipsychotic side effects.