Lithium Medication Flashcards
What is Lithium?
- Lithium is an effective mood stabiliser
Which organ excretes Lithium?
- Kidney
How do you monitor Lithium and why?
- Lithium has a narrow therapeutic window
- monitor lithium levels weekly after dose change and then 3 monthly once stable
What conditions does lithium help with?
- Suicide
- Reduction in self-harm
What are the common side effects of Lithium?
GI disturbance
Metallic taste
Dry mouth
Fine tremor
Polyuria + Polydipsia
Weight gain
What are the long term effects of Lithium?
-Hypothyroidism
- Renal impairment
How often do you monitor U+E and TFTs?
-Annually
What are the symptoms of Lithium Toxicity?
Confusion
Coarse Tremor
Nausea + Vomiting
Ataxia
Seizures
What is the management for Lithium Toxicity?
Stop Lithium
IV fluids, Dialysis, Benzodiazepines (seizures)
What systemic condition can increase Lithium Toxicity?
Dehydration
Drink lots of water in hot climates
Which drugs can have dangerous interactions with Lithium?
NSAIDs
Loop Diuretics
ACE inhibitors
