Lithium for Bipolar Disorder

Product name - Lithium

Brand Description - Lithium is produced by Apotex Corporation.

Consumer demand - Lithium is used in the treatment of mania and manic depression. Lithium helps to prevent dramatic mood swings and reduce their frequency and their severity. It does this by reducing excessive nerve activity in the brain. There are some possible adverse effects to taking lithium. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision, tremors, drowsiness, skin rashes, and, in rare cases, it can cause kidney damage. Regular blood tests are needed to monitor the level of lithium in the body.

Company's Other Products - Lithium is also sold under the names lithobid and Eskalith

Product competitors - The major competitor pharmaceutical companies are UDL Laboratories, Roxanne Laboratories, West Ward Pharmaceuticals and Major Pharmaceuticals.

Miscellaneous Information - Lithium was approved by the FDA in the 1970's to treat BiPolar disorder. It is unclear exactly how Lithium works in the treatment, but it is thought that it effects the chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. It is not a cure for BiPolar disorder, but it does help to control the symptoms. It is an oral medication that is taken in the form of regular tablets, extended-release tablets or a syrup two to four times a day. It can be taken with or without food, but may cause nausea if not taken with food. If you are taking the extended-release tablets, they should be taken whole, not crushed, broken or chewed. Since it is important to keep a steady level of lithium in the blood for it to be effective, the medication should be taken at the same time each day.

Before taking any medication, you should talk with your health care professional about any other medications that you may be taking to avoid adverse drug interactions. You should also tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart disease, suffer from dehydration, have low sodium levels in your blood, any allergies that you have and if you are prenant, nursing or planning on becoming pregnant.

Author: C. Anders, BiPolar Disorder Product Reviews