Lithium carbonate (Lithicarb, Quilonum SR)

Information for patients

What is it for?
Lithium stops abnormal mood changes. It is prescribed for major depression and bipolar mood disorder. Take your last dose 12 hours before your blood test appointment. For example, if your appointment is at 10 a.m. then take your last dose at 10 p.m. the night before. Do not take any lithium on the morning of the test, but your doctor may advise you to take your medication after the blood test.

How do I take it?

Take it with a glass of water just after eating. This reduces stomach upset. You should quench your thirst while taking lithium. What else should I tell my doctor? Keep using salt on your food, especially If you begin to pass more urine than in hot weather. usual.

When will it work?

If you experience any lasting mood changes. You should begin to feel some mprovement in two to three weeks. It may take longer as (For women) If you miss a period, think the dosage needs to be carefully adjusted. you may be pregnant or you intend Telling your doctor how you feel will help to getting pregnant. find the right amount.

How long do I need to take it?

Your doctor will discuss the likely benefits of taking it and how long the treatment may last. Feeling well does not mean that you can stop taking the tablets. It means that the tablets are keeping you well. Lithium is not addictive. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking the tablets.

What about side effects?

All drugs can produce side effects. They may be troublesome, but they can often be helped by adjusting your medication or by other methods. Do not stop taking your medication abruptly, but talk to a doctor or pharmacist about any concerns you have. If you experience any side effects, report them to your doctor.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take it when Common side effects include: you remember. If it is almost the time for Thirst your next dose (within four hours), then just Nausea, stomach upset take the normal amount. Do not take Weight gain a double dose. Slight shaking Do I need blood tests? Swollen ankles It is important to have blood tests to check Passing a lot of urine that your lithium dosage is at the right level. Impaired concentration. Lithium is less effective if it is at low levels in your blood. If it is too high, you could get lithium toxicity.

Toxicity
You may have toxicity if you start to experience: Severe shaking Blurred vision Drowsiness Weakness Twitching Diarrhoea Vomiting Slurred speech Impaired concentration. These side effects may mean your lithium level is too high. Contact your doctor today or go to a hospital emergency department if you are concerned about toxicity.

What else should I be careful about?

Driving a car or operating machinery, you may react slower. Becoming dehydrated, as this can cause lithium toxicity. This can happen with: Too much alcohol Exercising in hot weather Severe infections with fever Not drinking enough water Not having enough salt in your diet Vomiting/diarrhoea. If you get any signs of lithium toxicity, try to drink plenty of water, stop taking the tablets and see your doctor as soon as possible. Always tell any other doctor, pharmacist or dentist you may visit that you use this medicine. Some medicines can react with others even those you buy without prescription. Some tablets for high blood pressure and excess fluid may cause difficulties with lithium.

Note to health professionals:

This leaflet should not replace verbal counselling. In particular, this leaflet is not a substitute for informed consent. This leaflet provides information for patients taking lithium. Reference to any drug or substance does not necessarily imply recommendation by the Victorian Department of Human Services for its use.
Published by the Metropolitan Health and Aged Care Services Division, Victorian Government Department of Human Services, Melbourne Victoria.