The impact of lithium in South-West Scotland. III. The discontinuation of lithium.
A review in South-West Scotland of all patients prescribed lithium for the first time during the years 1972-82 showed that on average, 12 per 100,000 of the general population start this drug each year. By the end of the period, lithium had been stopped in 58% of patients; the most common reason for discontinuation was the development of side-effects, of which tremor was the most frequent. In only 15% was lithium stopped as it was considered no longer necessary; 44% of patients discontinued lithium within one year of starting it.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001259:Ataxia / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012606:Scotland; D014202:Tremor / Q000139:chemically induced
D008094:Lithium