Side effects of lithium carbonate tablets

Lithium carbonate tablets are a drug that can be used to treat and relieve mania. Mania has become an increasingly common mental problem. This type of mental illness requires certain treatments from doctors to achieve better treatment results. Lithium carbonate tablets have specific usage and dosage, and also have certain adverse reactions. Below, we will introduce the relevant knowledge of lithium carbonate tablets in detail.

1. Pharmacology and Toxicology

This product works in the form of lithium ions. Its mechanism of anti-manic attack is to inhibit the Ca2+-dependent release of norepinephrine and dopamine from nerve endings, promote the reuptake of norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft by nerve cells, increase its conversion and inactivation, thereby reducing the concentration of norepinephrine. It can also promote the synthesis and release of serotonin, which helps stabilize mood.

2. Usage and Dosage

[Indications] It is mainly used to treat mania. It has a good effect in treating and preventing relapse of bipolar disorder with alternating episodes of mania and depression, and it also has a preventive effect on recurrent depression. It is also used to treat schizoaffective disorder.

[Usage and Dosage] The oral adult dosage is calculated based on 20-25 mg/kg body weight. The therapeutic dose for mania is 600-2000 mg per day, taken in 2-3 divided doses. It is best to take it after meals to reduce gastric irritation. The dose should be gradually increased and adjusted based on blood lithium concentration. The maintenance dose is 500~1000 mg per day.

[Adverse Reactions] Common adverse reactions include dry mouth, thirst, polydipsia, polyuria, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and upper abdominal pain. Adverse reactions of the nervous system include fine tremors in both hands, malaise, weakness, drowsiness, blurred vision, and hyperreflexia of the tendon reflexes. Can cause an increase in white blood cells. Aggravation of the above adverse reactions may be a precursor to poisoning and should be closely observed.

[Contraindications] It is contraindicated in patients with renal insufficiency and severe heart disease.

3. Notes

[Precautions] Since lithium salts have a low therapeutic index and the therapeutic dose is close to the toxic dose, blood lithium concentrations should be monitored to help adjust the therapeutic dose and maintenance dose and to detect acute poisoning in a timely manner. Blood lithium levels should be measured every 1-2 weeks during the treatment period and once a month during the maintenance treatment period. Blood should be drawn the next morning, 12 hours after the last dose. The blood lithium concentration for acute treatment is 0.6~1.2mmol/L, and the blood lithium concentration for maintenance treatment is 0.4~0.8mmol/L. 1.4mmol/L is considered the upper limit of the effective concentration. Lithium poisoning is likely to occur if this value is exceeded. This product should be used with caution in patients with organic brain diseases, severe physical illness and hyponatremia. Patients taking this drug should be aware of the large loss of body fluids, such as persistent vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, etc., which can easily cause lithium poisoning. Do not follow a low-salt diet while taking this product. People who take medication for a long time should have their kidney and thyroid functions checked regularly.

[Use in pregnant and lactating women] It is contraindicated during the first three months of pregnancy. Lactating women should stop breastfeeding while using this product.

[Use in Children] It is forbidden to use in children under 12 years old. Children over 12 years old should start with a low dose and then slowly increase the dose based on blood lithium concentration.

[Use in Elderly Patients] Reduce the dosage as appropriate, start with a small dose, increase the dose slowly, and pay close attention to the occurrence of adverse reactions.