Lithium (Oral) (Eskalith; Eskalith-CR; Lithobid) - Drugs Information, Side Effects, & Interactions

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Lithium (LITH-ee-um)

Treats the manic part of manic-depressive (bipolar) illness.

Eskalith-CR, Lithobid, Eskalith
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to lithium or if you are pregnant.

Capsule, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet. It is very important that you drink plenty of water every day and do not eat too much salt.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
Swallow the tablet or capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using acetazolamide (Diamox®), carbamazepine (Tegretol®), methyldopa (Aldomet®), metronidazole (Flagyl®), urea (Ureaphil®), Dilantin®, potassium iodide, an antacid, diuretics or "water pills" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Hyzaar®, Lasix®), other medicine to treat mental illness (such as haloperidol (Haldol®)), pain or arthritis medicine (such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, piroxicam, Advil®, Aleve®, Daypro®, Feldene®, Indocin®, Motrin®, Relafen®, Voltaren®), heart or blood pressure medicine (such as Adalat®, Lotrel®, Procardia®, Accupril®, Vasotec®, Zestril®), or medicine for depression (such as Celexa®, Effexor®, Luvox®, Paxil®, Prozac®, Serzone®, Zoloft®).

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, problems with your brain or nervous system, or thyroid problems.
Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Call your doctor if you get sick and have a fever or diarrhea, or if you are in a situation where you sweat heavily. This could affect how your medicine works.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

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