Lithium extended-release tablets treat bipolar disorder (manic depressive disorder). They work by stabilizing your mood and behavior so there aren’t extreme highs and lows.
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LITHIUM (LITH ee um) treats bipolar disorder. It works by balancing substances in your brain that help regulate mood, behaviors, and thoughts.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Eskalith CR, Lithobid
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not break, crush or chew. Take after a meal or snack to avoid stomach upset. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. The amount of this medication you take is very important. Taking more than the prescribed dose can cause serious side effects. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your care team.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
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Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It can take several weeks of treatment before you start to get better.
The amount of salt (sodium) in your body influences the effects of this medication, and this medication can increase salt loss from the body. Eat a normal diet that includes salt. Do not change to salt substitutes. Avoid changes involving diet, or medications that include large amounts of sodium like sodium bicarbonate. Ask your care team for advice if you are not sure.
Drink plenty of fluids while you are taking this medication. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea and colas. You will need extra fluids if you have diarrhea or sweat a lot. This will help prevent toxic effects from this medication. Be careful not to get overheated during exercise, saunas, hot baths, and hot weather. Consult your care team if you have a high fever or persistent diarrhea.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
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NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.