Is 1200 mg of lithium carbonate / day an acceptable dosage for the treatment of bipolar? what are the risks of such a high dosage?

Not High: 1200 mg of lithium is not necessarily a high dose. Lithium is dosed based on blood level, so i can only say if it is a low or high dose based on your blood level (taken 12 hours after your nighttime dose). Tremor, increased frequency of urination, queasy stomach and loose stools are common side effects.

That depends.: If your bipolar disorder is severe, you may require that much dosage. The risks are: lithium toxicity, hypothyroidism, and renal failure. Despite these risks, don't stop your lithium without discussing with your psychiatrist first. You need to weigh the risks versus the benefits. One of the benefits is living a normal life just like everyone else.

Dose depends .......: The adequacy of your lithium medication depends on your lithium level which in turn is dependent on a host of other factors. Have your doctor check your lithium level to ensure it is within the therapeutic range. The danger of lithium use is its toxicity. Tell your doctor if you have coarse tremors, confusion, have difficulty with your speech/balance or other symptoms that you are worried about.

Level more important: The blood level is more important than the dose. The kidneys are the way the body gets rid of lithium. Ansaids like motrin, Aleve (naproxen) can double lithium levels at same dose. So can many blood pressure meds- so all your prescribers need to know you are on lithium to avoid interaction. 1200mg is a typical dose. Normal blood levels are betwn 0.5-1.0 , toxic is abover 1.2-1.5. I like <0.8.

Lithium: This depends on your serum lithium level & your tolerability.