How I Can Come Off Lithium?

Posted on Sun, 11 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 11 May 2014 Answered on

Mon, 2 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been on lithium carbonate Priadel 34 years and now have to have parathyroid surgery. My endocrinologist was concerned re the length of time on lithium. I have read many threads on line where patients on lithium of long standing have to have dialysis now and one is waiting for a liver transplant owing to lithium build up. So far I am the longest patient on lithium and I would love to come off it. The other day I had my pre-op and my op has had to be postponed as my bp was 185. Also I have a throat full of growths which I am told are not malignant but all these problems are stemming from the lithium. I am 52 years old, female and I weigh 13stone 12lbs. Please Doctor would you be so kind as to tell me how I can come off lithium

Answered by Dr. Hariom Sharma (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Go to other choice of drug

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,
I have gone through your query, medical history and drug history; it suggests that you are right completely that kidney, thyroid diseases and obesity may be the side effect of the long term use of lithium therefore better to go other choice of drug after consulting your doctor.
Side effects of lithium are a major factor in non-compliance and contribute to its decreased usage in many countries.

Lithium has to be gradually reduced with one third doses to one fourth dose each week, at the same time the alternatives like Valproate or carbamazepine may be used instead of Lithium. Your doctor will know about it better as he monitors the progress.

To rule out your renal disease you may go for the renal function test and Ultrasound of the abdomen.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar