Know the Lithium Side Effects
Andy West
July 24, 2011
Do you know the lithium side effects you could experience if you take this drug? If not, talk to your doctor about them as soon as possible since many of these can be quite significant. Weighing the benefits of the medication to these side effects is critical for anyone who is hoping to avoid becoming ill. Nevertheless, you should follow your doctor's directions when it comes to taking this medication for your condition. For many, it is the best solution even when side effects are present. Discuss the short term and immediate effects as well as the long-term effects of taking this medication as well. You may notice a significant difference in your quality of health by taking these medications as your doctor has prescribed. Take a close look at what you can expect.
Lithium is also sold under the brand names Eskalith and Lithobid. Not all people will have side effects from this medication. Some may have very severe side effects while others may have very mild symptoms of the medication. It is a good idea to know what the risk factors are and then to discuss the side effects you are feeling with your doctor before you stop taking this medication. Some of the most common side effects that people complain about include mild nausea and discomfort towards the beginning of taking the medication. Some may have mild hand tremors from time to time. Others say they have a mild increase in thirst while still others experience other minor symptoms from taking the medication.
In other cases, lithium side effects can be more severe. Whenever this medication produces any of these more significant and severe effects, it is critical that you talk to your doctor right away or head into the emergency room for treatment. Do not continue to take the medication until you see your doctor before doing so. Some of the worst reactions happen right away, including an allergic reaction. If you experience hives, a rash, difficulty breathing, swelling inside your mouth or tightness in your chest, this could be a sign of an allergic reaction. Some may feel swelling on their tongue or on their face and lips, too. This type of reaction requires immediate medical care.
In other cases, you may have other forms of severe side effects. If you have blurred vision or you become confused, or you notice this occur in a patient taking the medication, talk to a doctor. Other side effects include drowsiness, diarrhea, giddiness, the inability to control the bowels or the bladder, excessive weight gain and increased or a reduction in urination. If you experience muscle pain, twitching or strange movements or you lose consciousness, you may also be experiencing the more severe side effects of this medication. Some people also have a loss of coordination or may have a headache that does not seem to go away. You may have a slow or irregular heartbeat, slurred speech or unsteadiness. In some cases seizures can occur. Vomiting and vision changes are also important things to talk to your doctor about.
Because of the range of lithium side effects, it can seem hard to pinpoint what the underlying problem is. However, with the help of your doctor, you may be able to do that. If you feel that you are in pain or discomfort, or you are facing life-challenging effects, talk to your doctor right away about the condition. You may need to talk to your doctor immediately about those side effects and find out if you should be taking the medication for your particular needs.
Lithium is also sold under the brand names Eskalith and Lithobid. Not all people will have side effects from this medication. Some may have very severe side effects while others may have very mild symptoms of the medication. It is a good idea to know what the risk factors are and then to discuss the side effects you are feeling with your doctor before you stop taking this medication. Some of the most common side effects that people complain about include mild nausea and discomfort towards the beginning of taking the medication. Some may have mild hand tremors from time to time. Others say they have a mild increase in thirst while still others experience other minor symptoms from taking the medication.
In other cases, lithium side effects can be more severe. Whenever this medication produces any of these more significant and severe effects, it is critical that you talk to your doctor right away or head into the emergency room for treatment. Do not continue to take the medication until you see your doctor before doing so. Some of the worst reactions happen right away, including an allergic reaction. If you experience hives, a rash, difficulty breathing, swelling inside your mouth or tightness in your chest, this could be a sign of an allergic reaction. Some may feel swelling on their tongue or on their face and lips, too. This type of reaction requires immediate medical care.
In other cases, you may have other forms of severe side effects. If you have blurred vision or you become confused, or you notice this occur in a patient taking the medication, talk to a doctor. Other side effects include drowsiness, diarrhea, giddiness, the inability to control the bowels or the bladder, excessive weight gain and increased or a reduction in urination. If you experience muscle pain, twitching or strange movements or you lose consciousness, you may also be experiencing the more severe side effects of this medication. Some people also have a loss of coordination or may have a headache that does not seem to go away. You may have a slow or irregular heartbeat, slurred speech or unsteadiness. In some cases seizures can occur. Vomiting and vision changes are also important things to talk to your doctor about.
Because of the range of lithium side effects, it can seem hard to pinpoint what the underlying problem is. However, with the help of your doctor, you may be able to do that. If you feel that you are in pain or discomfort, or you are facing life-challenging effects, talk to your doctor right away about the condition. You may need to talk to your doctor immediately about those side effects and find out if you should be taking the medication for your particular needs.
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