Thyrotoxicosis after complete or partial lithium withdrawal in two patients with bipolar affective disorder.
OBJECTIVE
To highlight and discuss thyrotoxicosis after lithium withdrawal as a potential complication of lithium therapy for bipolar disorder.


METHODS
Both patients presented developed thyrotoxicosis, the first patient after stopping the lithium completely, and the second patient after a reduction in the lithium dose.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of thyrotoxicosis emerging when lithium is being completely or partially withdrawn. Such withdrawal could unmask a latent hyperthyroidism.
Carmaciu
C D
CD
Mental Health Department, Clacton and District Hospital, Clacton on Sea, Essex, UK. cdcarmaciu@aol.com
Anderson
C S
CS
Lawton
C A
CA
D000368:Aged; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012008:Recurrence; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D013971:Thyrotoxicosis / Q000139:chemically induced*
D008094:Lithium