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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are Side Effects Of Lithium?

Do the benefits of Lithium outweigh the side effects that the drug gives, I was prescribed lithium for my Bipolar. You know I am nervous about taking it because of the side effects
posted on Wed, 6 Jan 2010
Twitter Fri, 6 Jul 2012 Answered on
Twitter Sat, 7 Jul 2012 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI josemanuel.
THANKS FOR YOUR QUESTION.

YES YOU RIGHTLY SAID LITHIUM IS A VERY TOXIC DRUG WITH LOTS OF SIDE EFFECT SO IT ALMOST OBSOLETE IN WESTERN COUNTRY BUT IN OUR COUNTRY IT IS STILL HUGELY USED DUE TO ITS HIGH EFFICACY AND VERY LOW COST .THOUGH THE ANSWER IS NOT STRAIGHTCUT THAT LITHIUM MAJORITY OF THE TIME ITS ACTION UNDERWEIGHT ITS SIDE EFFECT.

FOR THIS WE DO A PRELITHIUM WORK UP TO EVERY PATIENT BEFORE STARTING LITHIUM.IT ALL COMPRISES LITHIUM MAJOR SIDE EFFECT
1.ROUTINE BLOOD COUNT-AS LITHIUM CAUSES INCREASE WBC COUNT
2.TSH-LITHIUM CAUSES HYPOTHYROID
3.ECG-LITHIUM CAUSES NON SPECIFIC ST-T CHANGES AND SOMETIME HEART BLOCK.
4.BLOOD FOR UREA.CREATININE-LITHIUM CAUSES RENAL FUNCTION IMPAIRMENT.
5.URINE FOR ROUTINE AND 24 HORS URINE FOR ALBUMIN-AS LITHIUM CAUSES EXCESS ALBUMIN SECERTION IN URINE BUE TO RENAL DAMAGE.

THANK YOU

DR SOURAV GANGULY
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fidel's  Response
Lithium has narrow therapeutic index (the one that indicates the safety of the drug), so whenever a patient is advised lithium the levels in the blood are monitored regularly . The life threatening complications of this drug are severe neurotoxicity, leucopenia (decreased white blood cells.) Adverse Drug Reactions Exacerbation of psoriasis, acne, rash; nausea, diarrhea, vertigo, muscle weakness, dazed feeling; loss of concentration; tremors; hypothyroidism; wt gain, edema; cardiac arrhythmias; exophthalmoses?; restlessness; electrolyte disturbances.
  User's Response
koos's  Response
Hallo I got psoriasis from while using lithium. But at that time was not masturbating for 6 months or a 1 year, started masturbating because of bad sex eduction and teachers closing doors and teaching only certain kids, also maybe started a bit late and hear from other kid about the white stuff on your dick. Used the lithium for a year and the psoriasis started under my sperm bag with skin burning. Was first diagnose with eczema. I got it at 20 know it is burning and not good between my anus and sperm bag. My underwear was tight and my also played a roll and my Grand Mother had it. I just want to know can you cut it out or cut my private part that there is no pain and itching? But still usable. Also want to know if not masturbating and using lithium plays a roll in getting psoriasis?
  Anonymous's Response
Anonymous's  Response

I would like to hear from a qualified psychiatrist is lithium a good safe drug to take for the long haul? Thank You, J
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What Are Side Effects Of Lithium?

HI josemanuel. THANKS FOR YOUR QUESTION. YES YOU RIGHTLY SAID LITHIUM IS A VERY TOXIC DRUG WITH LOTS OF SIDE EFFECT SO IT ALMOST OBSOLETE IN WESTERN COUNTRY BUT IN OUR COUNTRY IT IS STILL HUGELY USED DUE TO ITS HIGH EFFICACY AND VERY LOW COST .THOUGH THE ANSWER IS NOT STRAIGHTCUT THAT LITHIUM MAJORITY OF THE TIME ITS ACTION UNDERWEIGHT ITS SIDE EFFECT. FOR THIS WE DO A PRELITHIUM WORK UP TO EVERY PATIENT BEFORE STARTING LITHIUM.IT ALL COMPRISES LITHIUM MAJOR SIDE EFFECT 1.ROUTINE BLOOD COUNT-AS LITHIUM CAUSES INCREASE WBC COUNT 2.TSH-LITHIUM CAUSES HYPOTHYROID 3.ECG-LITHIUM CAUSES NON SPECIFIC ST-T CHANGES AND SOMETIME HEART BLOCK. 4.BLOOD FOR UREA.CREATININE-LITHIUM CAUSES RENAL FUNCTION IMPAIRMENT. 5.URINE FOR ROUTINE AND 24 HORS URINE FOR ALBUMIN-AS LITHIUM CAUSES EXCESS ALBUMIN SECERTION IN URINE BUE TO RENAL DAMAGE. THANK YOU DR SOURAV GANGULY