Lithane

The usual starting dose for treatment of mania is 900 mg to 1,800 mg daily divided into 3 equal doses. The dose may be started at a lower level depending on the circumstances of the person taking the medication. The dose of lithium is usually aimed at keeping a certain level of lithium in the bloodstream. This is why lab tests are needed to monitor the levels. Once the best dose is reached, the medication may usually be taken in a single daily dose. This dose may be lower than the total of the initial 3 daily divided doses.

After the manic episode is controlled, it may be necessary to decrease the dose of lithium to avoid unwanted effects. At this point, the daily dose of lithium is between 500 mg and 1,200 mg, divided into three doses.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Lithium should be taken with food. Swallow the capsules whole with some water, do not crush or chew the capsules.

It is important that Lithane (Lithium-carbonate) be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Lithane (Lithium-carbonate) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause diarrhea; it may cause unusual tiredness; it may alter your sense of taste; it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting; it may increase thirst; it may cause shakiness. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

150 mg
Each ivory #3 size capsule contains 150 mg of lithium carbonate.

300 mg
Each green and ivory #1 size capsule contains 300 mg of lithium carbonate.

Do not take lithium carbonate if you:

• are allergic to lithium carbonate or any ingredients of the medication
• are severely debilitated
• are severely dehydrated
• are taking diuretics (water pills)
• have low blood levels of sodium
• have significant Kidney Disease
• have significant heart disease

There may be an interaction between lithium carbonate and any of the following:

• Acetazolamide
• Amiodarone
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine)
• angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs; Captopril, Ramipril)
• angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs; e.g., Candesartan, Irbesartan, Losartan)
• antipsychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• Bromocriptine
• Buspirone
• Cabergoline
• caffeine and caffeine-containing products
• Calcitonin
• calcium channel blockers (e.g., Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Nifedipine, Verapamil)
• calcium polystyrene sulfonate
• Carbamazepine
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Desmopressin
• dexmethylphenidate
• Dextromethorphan
• Disopyramide
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene)
• dofetilide
• Dronedarone
• Eplerenone
• ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, Dihydroergotamine)
• Flecainide
• fluconazole
• iodide salts (e.g., iodine, potassium iodide)
• Linezolid
• macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• methyldopa
• methylene blue
• Methylphenidate
• Metronidazole
• Mirtazapine
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.S. e.g., Moclobemide, Phenelzine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., Codeine, Fentanyl, Morphine, Oxycodone)
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., Celecoxib, Naproxen, Ibuprofen)
• Phenytoin
• procainamide
• quinidine
• quinine
• quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Ofloxacin)
• St. John's wort
• saquinavir
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• serotonin antagonists (anti-emetic medications; e.g., Granisetron, Ondansetron)
• serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)
• sodium bicarbonate
• sodium chloride
• sodium polystyrene sulfonate
• Sotalol
• Tapentadol
• theophyllines (e.g., Aminophylline, Oxtriphylline, Theophylline)
• Topiramate
• Tramadol
• Trazodone
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Nortriptyline)
• "triptan" migraine medications (e.g., Eletriptan, Sumatriptan)
• Tryptophan

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Lithane (Lithium-carbonate). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Lithane (Lithium-carbonate).

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Lithium may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Lithane (Lithium-carbonate) affects you.

Fluid intake and diet: It is important to maintain a normal diet, including salt, as well as an adequate fluid intake (2,500 mL to 3,000 mL) at least during the initial period of taking Lithane (Lithium-carbonate). Side effects have been reported to follow after large amounts of sweating or diarrhea. If this occurs, extra fluids and salt should be taken. Talk to your doctor about the appropriate amounts of fluid and salt to take. If you develop a Fever, check with your doctor to see if you should reduce your dose or temporarily stop taking the medication.

Heart disease: If you have heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Lithane (Lithium-carbonate) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lithane (Lithium-carbonate), and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with severe heart disease should not take lithium.

Hypercalcemia: Lithium can cause increases in the level of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia). This may be linked to changes in the function of the parathyroid gland, but sometimes it is not. Tell your doctor if you experience symptoms of hypercalcemia, which include: fatigue, Depression, mental confusion, nausea, vomiting, excessive thirst, appetite loss, abdominal pain, frequent urination, muscle and joint aches, and muscle weakness.

Your doctor will order blood tests as part of your treatment with lithium. Calcium may be included in these tests to monitor for changes in the amount of calcium in your blood.

Kidney function: Decreased kidney function may cause Lithane (Lithium-carbonate) to build up in the body, causing unwanted effects. If you have kidney disease or reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Lithane (Lithium-carbonate) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lithane (Lithium-carbonate), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Long term lithium treatment often leads to a decrease in kidney function as well as symptoms of thirst, excess urination, and weight gain. Contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

Lab tests: Lithium toxicity is closely related to the level of lithium in the blood, and can occur at doses that are close to normal. Your doctor will order regular blood tests so that the blood levels of lithium can be monitored.

Stopping the medication: Do not stop taking Lithane (Lithium-carbonate) suddenly without checking with your doctor first. Stopping the medication suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms.

Thyroid disease: If you have thyroid disease, discuss with your doctor how Lithane (Lithium-carbonate) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lithane (Lithium-carbonate), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Long-term lithium treatment is sometimes associated with the development of growths in the thyroid gland. Contact your doctor if you develop a swelling in the neck.

Pregnancy: Lithium appears to cause an increase in heart, kidney, and thyroid problems in infants born to mothers who took lithium during pregnancy. Lithium should not be used during pregnancy or by women who could become pregnant unless no other appropriate therapy exists, and, in the opinion of the doctor, the expected benefits outweigh the possible risks.

Breast-feeding: Lithane (Lithium-carbonate) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking lithium, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Lithane (Lithium-carbonate) have not been established for children less than 12 years of age. The use of lithium is not recommended for this age group.

This medication is typically used 3 times a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. It is not advisable to stop using this product suddenly, particularly if you have been on it for several weeks. If you are considering stopping the medication, talk to your pharmacist first. It must be used regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Be sure to keep an adequate supply on hand. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication may irritate the stomach, and should be taken with food. It is best to avoid coffee, spicy food or alcohol. It is recommended to drink plenty of water while using this medication. If you drink alcohol, a moderate consumption is recommended. Talk to your health care professional to find out exactly how much alcohol you can drink.