title: Optimizing lithium treatment.
abstract: The purpose of this article is to discuss treatment of side effects that can occur during lithium therapy. Side effects from lithium are common but generally benign. For this article, I have divided the side effects into those that occur early, those that are late appearing, side effects related to drug interactions, and lithium toxicity. Side effects can decrease compliance. Lithium is a very effective drug for the stabilization of mood disorder in bipolar patients. Since side effects can affect compliance, recognition and treatment of early and late-appearing side effects are important aspects of lithium pharmacotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and the Center for Anxiety and Depression, University of Washington, Seattle, USA. ddunner@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Dunner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D004487:Edema / Q000139:chemically induced; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007057:Ichthyosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D008094:Lithium / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D020258:Neurotoxicity Syndromes / Q000209:etiology; D010349:Patient Compliance; D014202:Tremor / Q000139:chemically induced
chemical_list: D008094:Lithium