The profile and severity of lithium-induced side effects in mentally healthy subjects.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design various side effects (= unwanted effects) during 6 months of therapeutic serum lithium levels (0.7-1.1 mmol/1) to nonpsychiatric patients were studied. The side effects were measured by self-rating scales and independent observer rating scales administered every 2-4 weeks throughout the study. After months of treatment, lithium induced hand tremor and thirst/polyuria; however, without any relationship to the serum levels of lithium. The frequency of tremor was highest in patients above the age of 60 years. No initial sedative-like lithium effect was found.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001835:Body Weight; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008094:Lithium / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical; D013894:Thirst / Q000187:drug effects*; D014202:Tremor / Q000139:chemically induced*
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008094:Lithium