Brand Name
Lithane
Common Name
lithium carbonate
Where can I order Lithane from? Can I buy Lithane at Canadian Prices?
Yes, if you are from the U.S. then you can buy Lithane at Canadian prices. Currently we will only accept an order for Lithane from U.S. and Canadian residents. Both U.S. and Canadian residents require a prescription to purchase Lithane and when you order Lithane it will be delivered with express shipping.
How does Lithane work? What will it do for me?
Lithane is used for the treatment of the manic episodes of manic-depressive illness, also called bipolar disorder. It helps to control the symptoms of mania, which may include reduced need for sleep, poor judgment, hyperactivity, feelings of grandiosity, aggressiveness, and sometimes hostility. Lithane takes about one to three weeks before it has an effect on these symptoms.
Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking Lithane, contact your doctor.
How should I use Lithane?
The usual starting dose for treatment of mania is 900 mg to 1,800 mg daily divided into three equal doses. The dose may be started at a lower level depending on the circumstances of the person taking the medication. The dose of Lithane is usually aimed at keeping a certain level of Lithane in the bloodstream. This is why lab tests are needed to monitor the levels. Once the best dose is reached, the medication may usually be taken in a single daily dose. This dose may be lower than the total of the initial three daily divided doses.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important that Lithane be taken on a regular schedule as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of Lithane, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not double-up on doses.
Who should NOT take Lithane?
Lithane should not be taken by people who:
are allergic to Lithane or to any ingredients of the medication
have significant kidney or heart disease
are severely debilitated
are severely dehydrated
have low blood levels of sodium
are taking diuretics (water pills)
What side effects are possible with Lithane?
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Lithane. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Lithane with your health professional. They may be able to help you to deal with some of the effects.
The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medicine; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.
More common:
increased frequency of urination or loss of bladder control (more common for women than for men, usually begins 2 to 7 years after start of treatment)
increased thirst
nausea (mild)
trembling of hands (slight)
Less common:
acne or skin rash
bloated feeling or pressure in the stomach
muscle twitching (slight)
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common:
confusion, poor memory, or lack of awareness
difficulty breathing (especially during hard work or exercise)
fainting
fast or slow heartbeat
frequent urination
irregular pulse
increased thirst
stiffness of arms or legs
slurred speech
unusual tiredness or weakness
weight gain
Rare:
blue colour and pain in fingers and toes
coldness of arms and legs
dizziness
eye pain
headache
noises in the ears
vision problems
Stop taking Lithane and check with your doctor immediately if any of the following symptoms occur:
Early symptoms of overdose or toxicity:
diarrhea
drowsiness
lack of coordination
loss of appetite
muscle weakness
nausea or vomiting
slurred speech
trembling
Late symptoms of overdose or toxicity:
blurred vision
clumsiness or unsteadiness
confusion
convulsions (seizures)
dizziness
increase in amount of urine
ringing in the ears
trembling (severe)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Lithane.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for Lithane?
Fluid intake and diet: It is important to maintain a normal diet, including salt, as well as an adequate fluid intake (2,500 mL to 3,000 mL), at least during the initial period of taking Lithane. Side effects have been reported to follow after large amounts of sweating or diarrhea. If this occurs, extra fluids and salt should be taken. Talk to your doctor about the appropriate amounts of fluid and salt to take. If you develop a fever, check with your doctor to see if you should reduce your dose or temporarily stop taking the medication.
Lab tests: Lithane toxicity is closely related to the level of Lithane in the blood, and can occur at doses that are close to normal. People taking Lithane will need to have lab tests (as ordered by their doctor) so that the blood levels of Lithane can be monitored.
Kidney disease: Chronic Lithane treatment is frequently associated with a decrease in kidney function as well as symptoms of thirst, excess urination, and weight gain. Contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Occupational hazards: Since Lithane may reduce mental or physical abilities, people taking Lithane should avoid activities requiring alertness (e.g., operating vehicles or machinery) until they know how the medication affects them.
Stopping the medication: Do not stop taking Lithane suddenly without checking with your doctor first. Stopping the medication suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Pregnancy: Lithane should not be used during pregnancy or by women of childbearing potential unless no other appropriate therapy exists, and, in the opinion of the doctor, the expected benefits outweigh the possible risks.
Breast-feeding: Lithane passes into breast milk. Women should not breast-feed while taking Lithane except in rare circumstances where, in the opinion of the doctor, the potential benefits to the mother outweigh possible risks to the child.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Lithane have not been established for children under 12 years of age. Therefore, the use of Lithane is not recommended for this age group.
What other drugs could interact with Lithane?
The following medications may affect how Lithane works or increase the risk of side effects:
ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, ramipril)
angiotensin II receptor blockers (e.g., losartan)
acetazolamide
calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil)
carbamazepine
diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide)
haloperidol
iodide salts (e.g., iodine, potassium iodide)
methyldopa
metronidazole
NSAIDs (e.g., naproxen, ibuprofen)
phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine)
phenytoin
sibutramine
sodium bicarbonate
SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine)
tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline, tetracycline)
theophyllines (e.g., aminophylline, oxtriphylline, theophylline)
If you are taking any medications containing this drug, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
stop taking one of the medications,
change one of the medications to another,
change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with Lithane. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription) and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or illegal drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
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