WHAT IS Lithobid/Lithium?

LITHIUM/Lithobid is used to prevent and treat the manic episodes caused by manic-depressive illness. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Lithobid/Lithium?

Keep out of the reach of children.

HOW SHOULD I USE Lithobid/Lithium?

Take this medicine 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 medicine more often than directed. The amount of this medicine you take is very important. Taking more than the prescribed dose can cause serious side effects. Do not stop taking except on your the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

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.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Lithobid/Lithium?

Visit your doctor or health care professional 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 medicine, and this medicine 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 doctor or health care professional for advice if you are not sure.

Drink plenty of fluids while you are taking this medicine. 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 medicine. Be careful not to get overheated during exercise, saunas, hot baths, and hot weather. Consult your doctor or health care professional if you have a high fever or persistent diarrhea.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Lithobid/Lithium?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD or narcolepsy

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• caffeine
• metronidazole/Flagyl
• diuretics
• carbamazepine/Epitol
• phenytoin/Phenytek er
• potassium iodide, KI
• sodium chloride
• sodium bicarbonate
• urea
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen/Motrin or naproxen/Anaprox
• calcium/Phoslo iodide
• medicines for high blood pressure

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers 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.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Lithobid/Lithium?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• swelling in the neck
• pain, coldness, or blue coloration of fingers or toes
• blurred vision
• difficulty speaking or swallowing
• slurred speech
• slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• seizures
• unusually weak or tired
• nausea, vomiting
• confusion
• unusual weight gain
• loss of appetite
• clumsiness or loss of balance
• sensitivity to cold
• dizziness
• muscle weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• skin rash
• trembling of the hands
• increased thirst
• muscle twitches
• stomach bloating, full feeling
• increased frequency and urgency to pass urine

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Lithobid/Lithium?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• breast-feeding
• dehydration (diarrhea or sweating)
• low level of salt in the blood, or low salt diet
• an unusual or allergic reaction to lithium/Lithobid , other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• heart or blood vessel disease
• kidney disease

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.