Lithium Side Effects

Possible Lithium Side Effects

To know about Lithium Side Effects, it is important to know the reasons of the doctor to prescribe this drug. If you or any one you know is experiencing manic episodes, then Lithium is the drug prescribed. These manic episodes consist of extreme depression to excessive ecstasy. Sometimes, these manic episodes may also consider symptoms such as loss of appetite, aggression, talking fast, elation and unrealistic ideas. This condition is popularly known as Bi-polar disorder, and Lithium Carbonate, also known as Eskalith is used to treat the condition. This drug is also for eating disorders such as Bulimia, for certain sexual addictions, as well as for premenstrual tension. Many people claim that there are many lithium side effects.

An imperative thing that needs immediate attention is that lithium side effects will vary in their extremes, according to the levels of the drug in your bloodstream. In addition, some side effects are not a matter of concern. However, if they persist, then immediate attention of a doctor is required. Moreover, lithium side effects also vary between times of using the drug. Usually, at the start of the treatment, these side effects are minor. These include hand tremor, abnormal consistency of urination, nausea and discomfort.

However, some lithium side effects may concern you. These include irregular weight movements, involuntary urination, loss of appetite, muscle problems, poor memory, itchiness, stomach problems such as constipation, vomiting and hair issues (hair loss and thinning of hair). Other lithium side effects consist of hallucinations, memory loss and black out spells. These normally occur after a patient has been using this drug for quite some time. Not all patients will get bothered with all these lithium side effects. However, if any of these side effects persist, then talk to your healthcare provider immediately.

To minimize lithium side effects, you can take a number of precautions. The level of dosage should be at a normal level. Too low would produce no benefits and too high can possibly lead to Lithium poisoning. During lithium poisoning, an individual experiences unsteady walking, diarrhea, tremor and extreme weakness. If you are going through any of these symptoms, stop using this drug and go to your doctor immediately. It is very important to take proper fluids throughout the day to reduce lithium side effects. Try to take the drug with milk or food, or after meals. In addition, if you are having fever, proceed with extreme care. Moreover, do not indulge in any sorts of dangerous tasks such as climbing mountains because lithium side effects also consider affecting the perception of an individual. Tell your doctor if you have any kidney or liver problems, or you suffer from epilepsy or diabetes. All medical conditions have to be told to your doctor. For women, do not breastfeed your child while on this drug, because the infant can get adversely affected. Lastly, do not use lithium with any other drug, since they may clash in your bloodstream. After all, it is important to take these precautions to curtail lithium side effects.

Lithium side effects in children

It is not uncommon among many children to experience maniac episodes. Lithium Carbonate is the medication, prescribed to most people who suffer from Bipolar disorder. However, many people question the issue of providing Lithium to children. There are very few studies conducted to examine lithium side effects in children. For almost fifty years, Lithium is the drug used by most people who experience extreme mood swings. However, the decision to prescribe this drug to children less than sixteen years of age is very critical. This is because of the fact that there might be profound lithium side effects in children. The article describes those side effects and mentions a number of precautions to undertake while on the prescription. Additionally, it talks about alternative treatment plans.

Children who are below seven years of age, who show signs of aggression should not be prescribed Lithium at all. Lithium side effects in children below this age are quite intense. Children may go through central nervous difficulties while on Lithium. Therefore, to avoid such lithium side effects in children, they should not be given this drug. In a study conducted at Brown University, 10 out of 20 children on Lithium experienced CNS impairment. Some other lithium side effects in children also came into focus. These included confusion, disorientation, drowsiness, tremor, poor coordination among others. Additionally, around 25 percent of the children also experienced some gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.

Lithium side effects in children were mostly seen at the start of the treatment. These side effects were also attributed to high dosage of Lithium levels in the bloodstream. Lithium side effects in children also came into focus in such children who had other medical conditions. Therefore, Lithium is such drug that requires proper prescription from the doctor. It also requires proper monitoring of the dosage by an adult. The study conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Waller also concluded to prevent any possibilities of lithium side effects in children, this drug should not be prescribed at all. Experienced clinics should conduct the prescription because lithium side effects in children can result in extreme conditions.

Medications sometimes are the only solution in certain conditions. However, to prevent any lithium side effects in children, medication should remain the last resort. Some alternative therapies can help children control their aggressive behavior. These include psychotherapy, family therapy, behavioral therapy and social learning skills. Such therapies cater to the exclusive needs of the children.

However, if the result is medication, then proper monitoring is necessary to prevent any sort of lithium side effects in children. These include regular visits to the doctor and the clinic, monitoring of proper dosage and asking of questions by an adult about the possibility of anything amiss.

Lithium side effects in children are not to be taken lightly. If any occur, the parents should have a talk with the healthcare provider before taking the child off the medication. Be responsible and take care of your child’s health and mental well-being.

Lithium Side Effects Weight Gain

Weight gain is regarded as one of the common occurring lithium side effects. A study conducted in 2002 showed that weight gain, as one of the possible lithium side effects was found out to be more common in women than in men. The same study also found out that this side effect during the first year of the treatment. However, it is important to know the reasons behind this side effect. The article, therefore discusses lithium side effects that cause weight gain. It also provides suggestions on how to reduce weight gain when you are on this medication.

There are a number of theories that surround the issue of lithium side effects, relating to weigh gain. Generally, while on Lithium, people experience thirst, which leads them to consume large amount of fluids that contain high calories. This increases the fat storage, which eventually might lead to hypothyroidism, which forms part of other extreme lithium side effects, initially caused by weight gain. Hypothyroidism results in slow metabolism, which eventually leads to less calorie burning.

A study conducted in 1999 proves yet another theory regarding Lithium side effects that cause weight gain. A certain molecular level, known as 5-HT1B is known as a target for Lithium. This particular is a receptor that controls the system that distributes serotonin, which acts as a transmitter for both appetite and depression. Since lithium is supposed to fight depression, it can create havoc in the system. Your appetite may increase while fighting depression, which eventually may lead to weight gain, forming one of many lithium side effects.

To avoid the possibility of lithium side effects, which result in weight gain, a number of precautions have to be undertaken. Since the study conducted in 2002 has proved that weight gain is one of the symptoms of Hypothyroidism, which can prove to be extreme. Therefore, these precautions are eminent. People using lithium should reduce caffeine intake. They should also engage in a number of exercises and have a strict diet routine. Profound lifestyle changes are required. However, these will not adversely affect your body in any way, because these changes are healthy, anyways. You should stop drinking sugary; high-calorie drinks and instead drink pure and plain water.

In addition, you should never act careless with your health. If you notice any symptoms of lithium side effects that are resulting in weight gain, you should have a talk with your healthcare provider. He or she will guide you in the best possible way. You need to protect your health yourself and be on a constant look out for any symptoms of Hypothyroidism.

Lithium remains one of the few drugs that result in effective treatment of the manic episodes. Weight gain may not develop to be part of extreme lithium side effects. However, you have to be careful. People who gain weight immediately at the start of the treatment remain at a higher risk of developing Hypothyroidism. This article should not be your only source for getting information. You should also contact your doctor if you experience any problems.

Possible Lithium Side Effects – Hair Loss

Hair loss is considered one of the possible lithium side effects. There is no availability of an exact percentage of people who have suffered from hair loss because of lithium side effects. However, it is important to discuss the reasons behind the occurrence of this side effect and the precautions you can take to ensure that this side effect does not create huge problems. The article describes the process, which causes lithium side effects, relating to hair loss.

The lithium side effects that relate to hair loss are known as alopecia. The American Hair Loss Association has stated that Lithium may create thinning of hair or even hair loss.

One thing that has to be cleared out before describing the process that causes hair loss because of lithium side effects is that there is no specific reason for this occurrence. However, experts usually attribute this to the process of telogen effluvium. Lithium causes thyroid issues, which are normally related to hair loss. The normal occurrence of the hair includes more hair in the growing phase, while a very small proportion in the resting phase. A medication creates the problems that cause more hair follicles to go through the resting phase. This results in more pushing out of the hair than growing. This eventually leads to hair loss, because of lithium side effects of thyroid problems. Therefore, when you run your fingers through your hair, brush or comb your hair, or even shampoo your hair, your hair come out in large amounts.

Of course, hair loss may not necessarily occur as lithium side effects. Hair loss has become a common problem these days and it may occur because of genetics.   However, if you feel you are experiencing lithium side effects, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. Most doctors either reduce the dosage or stop the use of prescription. Sometimes, you can switch to another medicine for the treatment of manic episodes that do not cause this problem. However, even if you reduce or stop the dosage, it will take at least 6-12 months to make full recovery from the Lithium side effects, pertaining to hair loss. However, a study conducted in 2000 found out that a full recovery is very much possible. Therefore, lithium side effects of hair loss are not permanent and only occur during the course of recuperation.

However, to reduce these lithium side effects of hair loss, you do not necessarily have to stop the dosage. You can use alternative therapy to stop hair loss. These include the use of minerals such as zinc and iron and vitamins A, C, E, B6 and B12. You can also use Chinese Herbs to reduce hair loss. However, again these should require the suggestion of your doctor. Too much minerals and vitamins can cause havoc in your system, if they clash with any medication and can lead to profound adverse effects.

Lastly, another important thing requires discussion. Do not stop taking the medication without consulting the doctor, even if you feel that you are going through lithium side effects, relating to hair loss.