Lithium Carbonate 450mg

Lithium Carbonate 450mg — Uses and Benefits

Lithium Carbonate is prescribed for management of mood disorders, particularly bipolar disorder.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treating and preventing episodes of mania (excessive excitement, elevated mood)
• Long-term maintenance treatment to prevent relapse of bipolar disorder
• Sometimes used to treat severe depression that has not responded to other treatments, as an add-on medicine
• Sometimes used for certain aggressive or self-harm behaviours under specialist supervision

HOW IT WORKS

• Lithium affects the movement of sodium in nerve and muscle cells
• It is thought to influence neurotransmitter activity in the brain, helping to stabilise mood
• It reduces the intensity and frequency of manic and depressive episodes over time

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It is not a quick-acting sedative or painkiller
• It is not used for ordinary anxiety or stress
• It is not a substitute for other prescribed epilepsy or seizure medicines
• It should not be used without a doctor's prescription and monitoring

How to Use Lithium Carbonate 450mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day
• Take with food to reduce stomach upset
• Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water; do not crush or chew unless your doctor says so
• Drink adequate fluids and maintain a consistent salt intake in your diet, as advised by your doctor
• Do not stop or change the dose on your own even if you feel better
• Regular blood tests are needed to check lithium levels, kidney function, and thyroid function

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember on the same day
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
• If you miss several doses, inform your doctor before restarting

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture
• Keep in the original container, away from direct sunlight
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use expired tablets; dispose of unused medicine safely

Lithium Carbonate 450mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Mild nausea or stomach upset
• Fine hand tremor
• Weight gain

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Diarrhoea
• Metallic taste in mouth
• Mild memory or concentration difficulty
• Acne or skin rash
• Swelling of hands or feet

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe vomiting or diarrhoea
• Confusion, drowsiness, or slurred speech
• Coarse tremor or muscle twitching
• Loss of coordination or unsteady walking
• Blurred vision
• Signs of underactive thyroid such as unusual tiredness or weight gain
• Very reduced urination or signs of kidney trouble
• Irregular heartbeat

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Lithium Carbonate 450mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This is a prescription-only medicine in India and should be used strictly under a doctor's supervision with regular blood monitoring.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to lithium or any ingredient in the tablet
• Have severe kidney disease
• Have severe heart disease or dehydration
• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy, unless specifically advised by your doctor

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have kidney, heart, or thyroid problems
• Are on a low-salt diet or take diuretics
• Are breastfeeding
• Have epilepsy or any seizure disorder
• Are elderly, as dose adjustment may be needed

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Diuretics (water pills)
• NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs used for blood pressure
• Other psychiatric medicines including antipsychotics or antidepressants
• Certain antibiotics

Inform your doctor of all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you take.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to work?

It may take one to two weeks or longer to see full mood-stabilising effects; do not stop early.

Why do I need frequent blood tests?

Lithium levels need to stay within a narrow safe range, so regular blood tests help prevent toxicity and check organ function.

Can I take it if I am pregnant?

• Lithium can affect the developing baby, so pregnancy plans or pregnancy must be discussed with your doctor before continuing or starting this medicine.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.