Lithium Carbonate

Lithium carbonate (Lithobid, Eskalith) is a mood stabilizer with a narrow therapeutic index, FDA-approved for the treatment of manic episodes and for maintenance therapy in bipolar disorder to reduce the frequency and intensity of mood episodes. Because the difference between therapeutic and toxic serum concentrations is small, regular monitoring of serum lithium levels, along with kidney and thyroid function, is essential throughout treatment. Signs of lithium toxicity include tremor, gastrointestinal upset, confusion, and in severe cases seizures or coma, and toxicity risk increases with dehydration, NSAID use, or reduced kidney function.