title: Lithium.
abstract: Lithium carbonate is the single most important long-term treatment for recurrent affective disorders. The side effects of long-term treatment involve mainly the renal system, and therefore it is essential that patients be medically monitored closely. Lithium intoxication is a serious but largely preventable complication. Because its mechanisms of action are unknown, the effective use of lithium remains an empirical but essential part of modern psychiatric practice.
mesh_terms: D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000517:prevention & control; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000139:chemically induced; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects; D008094:Lithium / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D008094:Lithium; D006220:Haloperidol