Lithium carbonate
Also sold as: Priadel, Lithosun
Usual adult dose
Dose is set by your doctor and adjusted with regular blood tests (lithium level). Drink enough water every day, keep your salt intake steady, and do not stop it suddenly.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- thirst
- passing a lot of urine
- mild hand shaking
- nausea
- weight gain
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- severe shaking
- vomiting and diarrhoea
- unsteady walking
- confusion or slurred speech (signs of lithium poisoning)
- fainting or irregular heartbeat
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Underactive thyroid (needs regular checks)
- Dehydration or a low-salt diet
- Pregnancy (especially the first 3 months) and breastfeeding
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious9 medicinesDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Captopril
ACE inhibitors raise lithium levels and the risk of toxicity.
- Chlortalidone
Thiazide-like diuretics raise lithium levels and the risk of toxicity.
- Enalapril
ACE inhibitors raise lithium levels; lithium must be checked closely.
- Hydrochlorothiazide
Thiazide diuretics raise lithium levels and can cause lithium poisoning.
- Ibuprofen
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen raise lithium levels and can cause lithium poisoning.
- Indapamide
Indapamide raises lithium levels and the risk of toxicity.
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- Lisinopril
ACE inhibitors raise lithium levels and the risk of toxicity.
- Perindopril
ACE inhibitors raise lithium levels and the risk of toxicity.
- Ramipril
ACE inhibitors raise lithium levels and the risk of toxicity.
Moderate17 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Candesartan
ARBs can raise lithium levels; levels should be checked.
- Celecoxib
Can raise lithium levels in the blood; levels may need checking.
- Diclofenac
Can raise lithium levels in the blood; levels may need checking.
- Furosemide
Furosemide can raise lithium levels.