What is Lithium?
It Is a common alkali found in Earth's crust. Lithium can be used to make batteries, pharmaceuticals and lubricants. It has been used in recent years to treat mental conditions such as Depression and bipolar disorder. Lithium is widely used, but it still has some side effects. It's important to know these risks before you take any medication or supplements containing lithium.
Lithium is also known by other names.
Other names for lithium include lithium chloride, lithium citrate and lithium carbonate. Eskalith is a common brand name, as are Lithobid and Lithotabs.
Lithium: Its Uses
Most commonly, lithium is used in the treatment of bipolar disorder or major depressive disorders. Lithium has been shown to reduce symptoms such as mania, depression, and hypomania. The drug can help to stabilize moods, and stop relapses into depression or manic episodes.
Lithium is not only used for mental disorders, but also to relieve headaches, seizures, and fatigue. Bipolar disorder sufferers may find that lithium can reduce their risk of suicide.
Lithium: The Benefits It Is Said to Have
Lithium is said to have several benefits, such as:
- Reduce the suicide risk in bipolar disorder patients
- Bipolar disorder: How to stabilize mood swings
- Reduce the severity and frequency of bipolar episodes and their manic-depressive symptoms in patients with Bipolar Disorder
- Reduce the symptoms of Anxiety and depression
- Reduce the risk of seizure in epileptics
In several clinical trials , lithium has been shown to be effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder as well as other mental conditions. In a study conducted in 2011, lithium proved to be more effective at reducing symptoms of bipolar than a placebo.
Lithium Side Effects
There are some side effects that can occur when lithium is taken according to prescription. The list includes:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight gain
- Tremors
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Dry Mouth
- Slow thinking and slow reaction times
Most of these side effects are mild, and they can usually be controlled by dietary and lifestyle modifications. If any of these symptoms become serious or last longer than several weeks, it's important that you speak with your doctor.
Views of Lithium Experts and Professionals
The majority of experts are in agreement that lithium can be an effective treatment to treat bipolar disorder, as well as other mental conditions. Many experts believe that it should be more widely prescribed, since lithium has proven very effective at controlling symptoms and preventing regression.
There have been concerns about lithium's long-term safety. Some experts believe that lithium's benefits may not be worth the risks it poses, particularly when used for long periods.
Lithium: How to Start?
It is very important that you follow the instructions of your doctor if lithium has been prescribed to you. It is vital to consult your doctor to determine the right dosage for you.
Take steps to make sure you get enough sodium, potassium and magnesium. Electrolyte imbalance can make lithium side effects more difficult to control.
You should also monitor the lithium levels in your blood regularly. You will receive advice from your doctor on the frequency of this test. Your doctor will need to change your dose or prescribe another drug to reduce your level if it becomes too high.
What are the side effects of a syringe?
There are side effects associated with Lithium. These include, as mentioned, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Other side effects may also occur, such as fatigue, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. It is vital to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms become more severe, or persist longer than several weeks.
Conclusion
Bipolar disorder, as well as other mental conditions can be treated with lithium. The drug can reduce both the severity and frequency of depressive and manic episodes as well as the suicide risk in bipolar patients. There are some side effects associated with lithium. However, they are usually mild and are easily managed by dietary and lifestyle modifications. If any of these symptoms become serious or last longer than several weeks, it's important that you speak with your doctor.
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