Mood Stabilizers

Question 1

Lithium carbonate (Lithium) (0.5-1.5)

Answer 1

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Valproic Acid (Depakote)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Steven’s Johnson’s

Question 2

Early toxicity

Answer 2

-Less than 1.5
-Diarrhea
-N/V
-fine tremors
-lethargy

Question 3

Advanced toxicity

Answer 3

-1.5-2.0
-confusion
-coarse tremors
-more GI distress
-sedation

Question 4

Severe toxicity

Answer 4

-2.0-2.5
-polyuria
-blurred vision
-jerking movements
-seizures
-hypotension—potential death from respiratory complications

Question 5

Greater than 2.5

Answer 5

Coma and death

Question 6

Patient teaching

Answer 6

• Lithium is a salt that is processed by the kidneys - kidney function tests must be monitored at baseline and throughout treatment.
• Instruct the client to consume 2 or 3 liters of water per day to help the kidneys excrete lithium and minimize the risk of lithium toxicity
• don’t change diet