Lithium

Lithium is commonly used in the treatment of mania and bipolar disorder.  

Lithium is an alkali metal in the same group as sodium on the periodic table, which means that sodium and lithium have similar chemistry.  Physiologic disturbances of sodium can impact patients who also take lithium.  Lithium toxicity can be precipitated by excessive dosing, renal dysfunction, diuretic use (renal reabsorption), low-salt intake (renal reabsorption).  Lithium levels are monitored. and dosing adjustments are made to maintain a therapeutic level.

Class Drugs

• Lithium

Class Mechanism of Action

• Unknown

Class Application

• Mania/Bipolar

Eliminated renally

• Use caution in patients with renal dysfunction.

• Used preferentially in patients with hepatic impairment (in preference to drugs such as lamotrigine, divalproex, and carbamazepine).

Class Adverse Effects

Headache

Tremor

Dizziness

Polydipsia

Polyuria

Lithium Toxicity

• Caused by supra-therapeutic levels of lithium

• Narrow therapeutic range

Confusion

• Tremors

• Slurred speech

• Ataxia

• At high levels, seizures, circulatory collapse, coma

Fetal Congenital Abnormalities

• Contraindicated in first trimester of pregnancy

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Lithium			"Lithium Battery"