High lithium carbonate
If you or your child takes lithium for bipolar disorder, watch for the first signs of high levels of lithium in the blood. It's important to maintain a careful balance of lithium in the blood, and the difference between helpful (therapeutic) levels and toxic levels is very small. Signs of high lithium include:
- Shaky hands and muscle twitching.
- Weakness, loss of balance, and/or drowsiness.
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
At the first signs of excess lithium buildup in the blood, call your doctor.
Later symptoms of high lithium in the blood include:
- Slurred speech.
- Confusion.
- Seizures.
If you experience any of these later symptoms, you need immediate medical treatment. Call 911 or other emergency services.
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis | Last Updated: March 14, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry | |
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