Question 1

what is lithium carbonate for?

Accepted Answer

Lithium carbonate: Lithium carbonate is most frequently prescribed to treat lability in bipolar disorder, as well as schizoaffective disorder. It can be used to augment treatment in major depression as well.

Question 2

what can i expect when taking lithium carbonate?

Accepted Answer

Lithium Carbonate: If you have bipolar disorder and your doctor has prescribed lithium carbonate, you can expect more mood stability -- less problems with depression and/or mania.  Some typical side effects include hand tremor, increased thirst, increased urination, and sometimes diarrhea, etc.  Your doctor will need to monitor thyroid and kidney function over time, since chronic lithium use can affect those.

Question 3

can you tell me how is lithium carbonate formed?

Accepted Answer

Not a DIY project: It's formed by professional chemists in a specially equipped laboratory. The techniques and 'recipe' are protected by patent until it becomes generic, but still it's not available to everyday folk.

Question 4

who should not take lithobid (lithium carbonate)?

Accepted Answer

Lithobid (lithium carbonate): Lithium is contraindicated in ones with significant kidney or cardiovascular diseases, severe dehydration, sodium deficiency, pregnant women, some diuretics, and patients who are poorly compliant.

Question 5

please describe the medication: lithium carbonate?

Accepted Answer

Mood stabilizer: It's one of the oldest mood stabilizer medication for treatment of bipolar disorder. It's naturally occurring salt not very different than table salt. It's eliminated by the body through kidney and rarely can affect it negatively. It helps in both manic and depressed phase of bipolar disorder. Can be used in depression. It's known to prevent suicide. Watch for weight gain, acne and hypothyroidism.

Question 6

what's to be expected with lithobid (lithium carbonate)?

Accepted Answer

Even disposition: This medication is used to help even out moods.  It should provide a steadier mood state.

Question 7

what diet is recommended with lithobid (lithium carbonate)?

Accepted Answer

No particular diet: Salt will lower lithium levels. Diuretics,  nonsteroidal analgesics (advil, ibuprophrn, etc) & fluid loss (diarrhea, sweating, vomiting) can raise lithium levels. No special diet required.

Question 8

is there a difference between lithobid and lithium carbonate ?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Lithobid (lithium carbonate) is a delayed release preparation that usually causes less stomach side effects.

Question 9

what's the therapeutic level for lithium carbonate tabs (lithobid)?

Accepted Answer

.6 to 1.2 mEq/L: Lithium (li) levels must be monitored closely b/c the therapeutic level is close to the toxic level.  Toxicity symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, muscle weakness & kidney changes.  Should be avoided in pregnancy.  Li is processed by the kidneys (not liver).  ½ life is 24 hours.  Effective serum range is .6 to 1.2 meq/l. Toxic range starts at  ~ 1.5 meq/l. Treatment for toxicity is supportive.

Question 10

whats your experience with lithobid (lithium carbonate) compliance?

Accepted Answer

Discontinuation: It is not uncommon for patients on this medication to discontinue.

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A member asked:

What is lithium carbonate for?

A member asked:

What can i expect when taking lithium carbonate?

A member asked:

Can you tell me how is lithium carbonate formed?

A member asked:

Who should not take lithobid (lithium carbonate)?

A member asked:

Please describe the medication: lithium carbonate?

A member asked:

What's to be expected with lithobid (lithium carbonate)?

A member asked:

What diet is recommended with lithobid (lithium carbonate)?

A member asked:

Is there a difference between lithobid and lithium carbonate ?

A member asked:

What's the therapeutic level for lithium carbonate tabs (lithobid)?

A member asked:

Whats your experience with lithobid (lithium carbonate) compliance?

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