--- title: "Patient Education: Lithium" description: Learn about the benefits, side effects, and precautions of using Lithium for children & adolescents. Empower yourself with knowledge for informed decision-making. 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While effective, all medications have potential side effects. It's crucial to be informed about these risks and benefits. It's also important to understand strategies to reduce their occurrence or manage them effectively. It's vital to know when to contact your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention. This guide aims to empower you with this knowledge, ensuring a well-informed approach to your child's treatment. If you are still unsure, always reach out to your healthcare provider for further guidance. ![Group-9747](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Group-9747.png?width=56&height=50&name=Group-9747.png) ## What is Lithum? ![divider](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/divider.png?width=120&height=5&name=divider.png) Lithium belongs to a class of medications known as mood stabilizers. It helps balance brain chemicals, alters neuronal sodium transport, reduces overactive signals, and protects brain cells to prevent extreme mood swings. ### **![IMAGE-36-553x1024-1](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMAGE-36-553x1024-1.png?width=309&height=572&name=IMAGE-36-553x1024-1.png)** ### **When is Lithium prescribed to Children & Adolescents? ** Your doctor may prescribe Lithium for - Bipolar disorder - Acute Mania - Behavioral disturbances or Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (also known as DMDD) - Added to antidepressants to augment their effectiveness for depression  - Added to antipsychotic medication to augment their effectiveness for Postpartum Psychosis ### **What is the Dose of Lithium?** - The dose typically ranges from 300 to 1200 mg per day, divided into 2-3 doses. - Treatment usually starts at a low dose, gradually increasing to find the effective dose. ## ![afterHourCRisis (1)](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/afterHourCRisis%20(1).png?width=70&height=71&name=afterHourCRisis%20(1).png) ## **What can be the possible** ## **side-effects from the medication?** Common Side-Effects Less Common Side-Effects Uncommon Side-Effects Your child may experience some side effects from the medication initially. Several of these side effects are mild and improve over time. The medication is started at a low dose to minimize these side effects. If side effects persist, consult your healthcare provider. **1. Tremor** - **Risk Factors:** Higher doses, old age, caffeine consumption. - **Management:** Consult your provider; adding a medication like Propranolol might help. **2. Nausea, Diarrhea ** - Generally happens early in treatment and resolve with time. - Contact your provider if persistent. Switching to longer acting formulations may help. **3. Vomiting, Stomach upset, Belly aches, Gastritis, Metallic or salty taste in mouth** - **Risk factors:** high doses.  - **Management:** Contact your provider. Switching to longer acting formulations or reducing the dose may help. **4. Increased appetite and weight gain** - Regular monitoring of weight, waist size, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol is required. - Monitor your child’s diet and inform your doctor of significant weight gain. **5. Excessive urination, Excessive thirst** - **Risk factors:** Higher doses, long duration of treatment, concurrent use of other psychotropic medications (especially antipsychotics). - **Management:** Inform your provider. Dose adjustments of Lithium or other meds might be required. **1. Drowsiness, Dizziness** - Start at a low dose to minimize effects. - These side effects are usually self-limiting and get better in a few days. - Stand up slowly from sitting or lying down to reduce dizziness. - Consult your provider if these symptoms persist. Dose reduction might be needed. **2. Acne or worsening of acne** - Create a good skincare routine and wash your face twice daily with a mild cleanser. - Consult your primary care provider. They may recommend over-the-counter topical treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. - If acne persists or worsens, consult a dermatologist for specialized treatment options. **3. Sexual side effects** - **Risk Factors**: Use of other medications that cause sexual dysfunction (e.g., antidepressants). - **Symptoms**: Decreased sex drive, impaired sexual arousal, general decreased sexual satisfaction, inability to get or keep an erection (in males). - **Management**: Consult your provider if these symptoms persist. An adjustment in medication may be necessary.   **1. Hypothyroidism (Low thyroid function)** - **Risk Factors**: Longer duration of treatment, old age, family history of hypothyroidism. - **Symptoms**: Report to your provider if you notice lethargy, weight gain, dry skin, cold intolerance, poor cognition, and worsening of depression. - **Monitoring**: Regular monitoring of thyroid function is required. We will order lab tests to check your thyroid function before starting the medication and regularly during treatment. - **Management**: We will discontinue the medication if thyroid function starts to decline. **2. Reduced Kidney function** - **Risk Factors**: Higher doses, longer duration of treatment, old age, taking other psychotropic medications, especially antipsychotics. - **Monitoring**: We will order lab tests to check your kidney function before starting the medication and regularly during treatment. - **Management**: We will discontinue the medication if kidney function starts to decline. **3. Headache** - May happen initially but usually improves over time. - Consult with your provider if persistent. Reducing the dosage may help. **4. Memory Problems, Confusion, Disorientation** - **Risk Factors**: Higher doses, long-term use, old age. - **Management**: Maintain proper hydration and electrolyte balance, as imbalances can worsen cognitive issues. Keep track of any cognitive changes and report them to your healthcare provider promptly. Dose reduction or medication switch might be needed. **5. Psoriasis or worsening of Psoriasis** - Report to your healthcare provider. Dose adjustment or medication change may be required  ### ![Group-10151](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Group-10151.png?width=84&height=79&name=Group-10151.png) ## Serious but Rare Side-Effects   **![IMAGE-37-553x1024](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMAGE-37-553x1024.png?width=417&height=772&name=IMAGE-37-553x1024.png)**   1. Serotonin Syndrome - Risk Factors: Combining Lithium with certain medications (like antidepressants), Certain over-the-counter agents and supplements such as Dextromethorphan (DXM), St. John's Wort, certain cough and cold medications, over-the-counter migraine medications, 5-HTP, and L-tryptophan - Symptoms: Anxiety, agitation, confusion, sweating, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, fever, stomach problems, tremors, muscle stiffness, spasms, and heightened reflexes.  - Management: Consult your primary care provider or psychiatrist before starting any new prescription or over-the-counter medication. If you notice any of these symptoms mentioned above, immediately contact your provider or seek immediate help in the nearest ER.  2. Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus - Risk Factors: Long duration of treatment, higher doses, dehydration. - Symptoms: The kidneys may lose their ability to retain water, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, especially low sodium levels. This can cause excessive urination, excessive thirst, lethargy, and irritability. - Management: Report these symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately. The medication will need to be discontinued. 3. Cardiac Effects - Risk Factors: Higher doses, long-term use. - Symptoms: Lithium can cause a low heart rate, irregular heartbeat, EKG changes, and conduction defects. - Management: Your heart rate will be regularly monitored. Report any symptoms of irregular heartbeat or skipped heartbeat to your healthcare provider. The medication might need to be adjusted or switched. 4. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus - Symptoms: Loss of bladder control, confusion, and difficulty walking, - Management: If you notice these symptoms, stop lithium immediately and seek immediate medical attention in the nearest ER as dialysis to remove the medication from the body may be required 5. Increase Blood Calcium Levels - Risk Factor: Long duration of treatment. - Symptoms: Weakness, fatigue, development of kidney stones, and stomach issues. - Management: Report these symptoms to your healthcare provider. The medication might need to be adjusted or switched.   # WARNING   **Pregnancy:**If you become pregnant while taking lithium, there is a risk that your baby might have birth defects, especially heart problems. One possible heart defect is called Ebstein's anomaly, where a part of the heart is not formed correctly. It is very important to talk to your healthcare provider if you are planning to become pregnant or if you become pregnant while taking this medication. **Breastfeeding:** It is recommended to avoid breastfeeding while using Lithium. Lithium is present in breast milk. If you breastfeed while taking lithium, your infant might show signs of lithium toxicity, including low muscle tone, low body temperature, bluish skin, electrocardiogram (EKG) changes, and lethargy.   To learn more about this medication please visit MedlinePlus, a official US government website, part of National Library of Medicine and managed by National Institute of Health by clicking [HERE](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681039.html) ## Similar posts Valporate ##### [Patient Education: Valporate (Depakote)](https://blog.mindweal.com/blog/patient-education-valporate) Lithium is prescribed by your healthcare provider based on current guidelines to address specific mental health ... 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