What is normal lithium level for bipolar?

For adults with bipolar disorder there was consensus that the standard lithium serum level should be 0.60‐0.80 mmol/L with the option to reduce it to 0.40‐0.60 mmol/L in case of good response but poor tolerance or to increase it to 0.80‐1.00 mmol/L in case of insufficient response and good tolerance.

What is considered a low lithium level?

Lithium has a very narrow range where it is effective and nontoxic. At a level of 1.2 mEq/L, lithium can start to cause problems.

How do I know if my lithium level is too high?

What are the target levels for lithium?

The lithium dose is usually adjusted to achieve a plasma level of 0.6 mmol/L to 1 mmol/L. A serum lithium level of 0.6–0.8 mmol/L is suitable for people who are being prescribed lithium for the first time.

What happens if lithium level is too low?

Even slightly higher levels can cause side effects. On the other hand, if lithium levels dip too low then bipolar symptoms may reemerge. This is why anyone taking lithium medications requires regular testing [6, 8].

Why Does Lithium Help Bipolar Disorder?

What mental illness does lithium treat?

About lithium

It's used to treat mood disorders such as: mania (feeling highly excited, overactive or distracted) hypo-mania (similar to mania, but less severe) regular periods of depression, where treatment with other medicines has not worked.

How many mg of lithium is fatal?

The treatment serum level range is 0.8-1.2 mmol/L, but Lithium levels above 1.2 mmol/L can be toxic and a level above 2.0 mmol/L is potentially fatal.

What drugs should not be taken with lithium?

Common drug–drug interactions with lithium

The most commonly prescribed drugs that have the potential to interact with lithium are ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists (sartans), diuretics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

How often should you check lithium levels?

Regular blood tests are necessary to check lithium levels and to make sure you are taking the right dose. They will be checked weekly or fortnightly at first. Once levels of lithium in the blood are steady, they will be checked regularly (typically 3 monthly), usually 12 hours after the last dose.

What causes lithium levels to drop?

The following medications may decrease the levels and effect of lithium: Caffeine. Sodium chloride (table salt) A medication used to treat breathing problems called theophylline (Theo–Dur®, Slo–Bid®)

What is mild lithium toxicity?

The severity of lithium toxicity is often divided into the following three grades: mild, moderate, and severe. Mild symptoms: nausea, vomiting, lethargy, tremor, and fatigue (Serum lithium concentration between 1.5-2.5 mEq/L)[33] [34].

Why do people quit lithium?

Adverse effects were the most common cause for lithium discontinuation. Among the adverse effects, diarrhoea, tremor, creatinine increase, polyuria/polydipsia/diabetes insipidus and weight gain were the top five reasons for discontinuing lithium.

What is a therapeutic and toxic lithium level?

A therapeutic lithium level is somewhere between 0.6 to 1.2 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). When your level gets to 1.5 mEq/L or more, symptoms of toxicity begin to show up. The levels of toxicity are classified as: Mild: 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L. Moderate: 2.5 to 3.5 mEq/L.

Does lithium cure bipolar?

Lithium helps reduce the severity and frequency of mania — the elevated, euphoric end of the mood scale — and may help to treat bipolar depression. If you have been at risk of suicide, lithium may help reduce these feelings. Lithium also helps prevent manic and depressive episodes occurring in the future.

What causes lithium levels to rise?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; eg, ibuprofen, naproxen, meloxicam) and probably COX-2 inhibitors (eg, celecoxib, diclofenac) can increase levels 10% to 400% over the course of days to months.

What are the dangers of lithium?

► Exposure to Lithium can cause loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. ► Lithium can cause headache, muscle weakness, twitching, blurred vision, loss of coordination, tremors, confusion, seizures and coma.

What foods interact with lithium?

Foods that alkalinize the urine may increase elimination of lithium from the body, potentially decreasing the actions of the drug. Urine-alkalinizing foods include dairy products, nuts, fruits, vegetables (except corn and lentils), and others.

Why can't I take ibuprofen while on lithium?

When combined with lithium, NSAIDs can increase lithium levels in the blood resulting in an increased risk for serious adverse effects like confusion, tremor, slurred speech, and vomiting. Examples of non-prescription NSAIDs include: Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®)

Can lithium damage your brain?

Prolonged lithium intoxication >2 mM can cause permanent brain damage. Lithium has low mutagenic and carcinogenic risk.

What happens if you take lithium for too long?

With long-term use, lithium can cause chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis, which is characterized by a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and may lead to chronic kidney disease (lithium nephropathy) (97, 98).

What are the long-term effects of taking lithium?

Lithium also exerts antisuicidal, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective effects. The main problems associated with long-term lithium treatment include kidney, thyroid, and probably cognitive issues.

Is lithium the gold standard for bipolar?

Lithium is considered the gold standard treatment for bipolar disorder (BD). Current clinical guidelines and scientific evidence support its use as a first-line treatment in BD. However, over the last two decades, there has been a downward tendency in lithium's use in several developed countries.

How do you know if lithium is working?

It takes about 1 to 3 weeks for lithium to show the effects and remission of symptoms. Many patients show only a partial reduction of symptoms, and some may be nonresponders. In cases where the patient does not display an adequate response, consider monitoring plasma levels, and titrating the dose.

Does lithium help with anger?

Lithium is a mood stabilizer that is used to treat or control the manic episodes of bipolar disorder (manic depression). Manic symptoms include hyperactivity, rushed speech, poor judgment, reduced need for sleep, aggression, and anger.