Category

• Antidepressant therapy adjunct
• Antimanic
• Granulopoietic
• Vascular headache prophylactic

Description

Lithium (LITH-ee-um) is used to treat the manic stage of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness). Manic-depressive patients experience severe mood changes, ranging from an excited or manic state (for example, unusual anger or irritability or a false sense of well-being) to depression or sadness. Lithium is used to reduce the frequency and severity of manic states. Lithium may also reduce the frequency and severity of depression in bipolar disorder.

It is not known how lithium works to stabilize a person's mood. However, it does act on the central nervous system. It helps you to have more control over your emotions and helps you cope better with the problems of living.

It is important that you and your family understand all the effects of lithium. These effects depend on your individual condition and response and the amount of lithium you use. You also must know when to contact your doctor if there are problems with the medicine's use. Lithium may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

Oral
• Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
• Slow-release capsules (Canada)
• Syrup (U.S.)
• Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
• Extended-release tablets (U.S. and Canada)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Cibalith-S
• Eskalith
• Eskalith CR
• Lithane
• Lithobid
• Lithonate
• Lithotabs

In Canada—

• Carbolith
• Duralith
• Lithane
• Lithizine

Generic name product may be available in the U.S.