title: Lithium safety in the prophylaxis of bipolar disorders: a study with plasma levels.
abstract: From many decades efficacy of lithium salts, as mood stabilizers, has been largely recognized, but their tolerability, in particular during intermediate or long-term treatments is still discussed. The most frequently described side effects can affect several organs. Aim of the study was to evaluate lithium carbonate tolerability after a "brief" (1 month-4 years), "intermediate" (5-9 years) and "longterm" (10-21 years) treatment of patients affected by Bipolar Disorders (BD). 27 patients (14 males, 13 females), aged from 20 to 78 years (mean 49.03 years +/- 14.61 SD), affected by BD, type I, according to DSM IV criteria were included into the study. Our data suggest a good tolerability of lithium salts without significant differences among the three different periods of treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Psichiatry, University of Milan, IRCCS, Ospedale Maggiore, Italy.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Mauri
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Laini
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Scalvini
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Volonteri
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Ferrari
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Panza
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D018692:Antimanic Agents; D008094:Lithium