Side Effects of Lithium to Be Aware of — Talkspace

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How to Manage Lithium Side Effects

To maximize the effectiveness of Lithium remedy, it’s vital to know and handle its potential unwanted side effects. 

Here are 7 suggestions for managing the frequent and severe Lithium unwanted side effects long run:

1. Monitor your blood ranges

Lithium toxicity is an actual danger, so monitoring your blood ranges is important. Your physician will probably order checks periodically to make sure the dosage is just not too excessive or low. If the outcomes come again irregular, they could modify your Lithium dose accordingly.

2. Take remedy as prescribed

It’s vital to observe your physician’s directions when taking any medicines, together with Lithium. Taking greater than prescribed may result in harmful unwanted side effects like serotonin syndrome and even loss of life in excessive circumstances. Additionally, lacking doses may trigger signs of mania or melancholy to return.

3. Drink loads of water

Staying hydrated helps cut back a few of the extra frequent Lithium unwanted side effects, akin to nausea and vomiting. Drinking sufficient fluids additionally helps flush out the physique, which may cut back bloating and different gastrointestinal points attributable to this remedy. Drinking a minimum of 8 glasses day by day is beneficial for optimum well being advantages.

“An increased dose of Lithium can cause tremors and weakness that worsens while you walk. While taking Lithium, patients have to be careful to monitor their water intake and not get dehydrated.”

Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir 

4. Avoid alcohol

Alcohol ought to be averted when taking Lithium since it will possibly enhance toxicity ranges within the physique, resulting in severe problems akin to seizures, confusion, coma, and even loss of life. Even very small quantities of alcohol ought to be fastidiously monitored or averted as a result of simultaneous drug interactions could cause hostile results.

5. Get sufficient relaxation

A gentle sleep routine is important for controlling the implications of prolonged Lithium use, akin to snooze disruptions. To make sure you get sufficient shut-eye every night time, strive establishing wholesome sleeping habits like setting a constant bedtime, chopping out caffeine after sunset, and limiting display screen time earlier than mattress.  

6. Stay energetic

Regular bodily exercise can assist cut back anxiousness. Daily train releases endorphins which act as pure temper stabilizers, serving to to fight melancholy or manic episode occurrences. Incorporating an train routine into your day by day life could be an efficient strategy to management the repercussions of extended Lithium utilization.  

7. Practice self-care

Stress administration is a vital part of attaining optimum psychological well being. Being variety to your self and working towards self-care could be instrumental in coping with each signs of a situation and the unwanted side effects of remedy. Meditation, yoga, and deep respiration strategies can distract the thoughts and heart your ideas. 

Managing Lithium unwanted side effects could be difficult, however it’s doable with correct steering and help. If unwanted side effects don’t go away, make sure that to speak to a physician first earlier than stopping remedy. Quitting chilly turkey can lead to Lithium withdrawal signs which will carry extra discomfort than the remedy’s unwanted side effects.

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