Lithin SR

Introduction
Lithin SR is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and mania in adults. It is sometimes used to treat other behavioral disorders as well. It reduces the frequency of manic episodes and decreases the intensity of those episodes that might occur. Lithin SR should be taken with food. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. You should continue to take this medicine for as long as the doctor advises and do not stop taking it suddenly as it may result in harmful effects. Side effects associated with the use of this medicine include tremor, slurred speech, uncoordinated body movements, nausea, acne, increased white blood cell count and memory impairment. It may also cause hair loss, enlarged thyroid gland, skin rash, and increased thirst. This medicine may also cause weight gain and to control it, you should have a balanced diet and exercise regularly. If you have been taking this medicine for a long time than regular monitoring of thyroid and kidney function may be required.

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Uses of Lithin SR
Mania
Bipolar disoder
Side effects of Lithin SR
Common
Tremor
Slurred speech
Uncoordinated body movements
Nausea
Acne
Increased white blood cell count
Memory impairment
Hair loss
Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)
Skin rash
Increased thirst
Weight gain
Polyuria
Diarrhea
How to use Lithin SR
Use it as advised by your doctor or check the label for directions before use. Lithin SR is to be taken with food.
How Lithin SR works
Lithin SR works by suppressing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Quick Tips
Lithosun SR Tablet is one of the most effective long-term treatment for bipolar disorder.
It may also be used for the treatment of mania.
Your lithium blood levels, thyroid function, and kidney function may be monitored as long as you take this medicine.
It may cause diarrhea and dehydration. Drink plenty of water and and use normal amounts of salt. Inform your doctor if you start or stop a low-salt diet.
Monitor your weight during treatment as Lithosun SR Tablet can cause weight gain.
Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
Inform your doctor if you have persistent stomach upset, problems with your speech, or extreme drowsiness. Your dose may need to be adjusted.
Do not take Lithosun SR Tablet if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.
Brief Description
Indication
Bipolar disorder, Mania, Recurrent unipolar depression
Administration
Should be taken with food.
Adult Dose
Oral Mania; Bipolar disorder; Recurrent unipolar depression Adult: Treatment and prevention: Initially, 400-1,200 mg daily in 1-2 divided doses. Serum lithium should be monitored 12 hours after dose, twice weekly until serum concentration and clinical condition stabilize, and every other month thereafter Desirable range for serum lithium: 0.6-1.2 mEq/L; although higher serum concentrations may be needed, not to exceed 1.5 mEq/L

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Renal Dose
Renal impairment: CrCl (ml/min) Dosage Recommendation 10-50 50-75% of normal dose. <10 25-50% of normal dose. _ Contraindication Renal insufficiency, cardiovascular insufficiency, Addison's disease and untreated hypothyroidism are all contraindications to lithium therapy. Mode of Action Inhibits postsynaptic D2 receptor supersensitivity. Alters cation transport in nerve and muscle cells and influences reuptake of serotonin or norepinephrine. Inhibits phosphatidylinositol cycle second messenger systems. Precaution Decreased tolerance to lithium has been reported to ensue from protracted sweating or diarrhoea and, if such occur, supplemental fluid and salt should be administered under careful medical supervision and lithium intake reduced or suspended until the condition is resolved. Lactation: Drug is excreted in breast milk; use not recommended _ Side Effect >10% Leukocytosis (most patients),Polyuria/polydypsia (30-50%),Dry mouth (20-50%),Hand tremor (45% initially, 10% after 1 year of treatment),Confusion (40%),Decreased memory (40%),Headache (40%),Muscle weakness (30% initially, 1% after 1 year of treatment),Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes (20-30%),Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (10-30% initially, 1-10% after 1-2 years of treatment),Hyperreflexia (15%),Muscle twitch (15%),Vertigo (15%) 1-10% Extrapyramidal symptoms, goiter (5%),Hypothyroidism (1-4%),Acne (1%),Hair thinning (1%) Frequency Not Defined Coma,Lethargy,Seizures,Renal toxicity

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Interaction
Reduced serum levels with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, chlorpromazine, sodium-containing preparations, theophylline, urea. Enhanced hypothyroid effects with iodine salts. Enhanced effects of neuromuscular-blocking agents. Reduced pressor response to sympathomimetics. Potentially Fatal: Increased risk of lithium toxicity with ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor antagonists, loop diuretics, metronidazole, phenytoin. Increased risk of neurotoxicity with carbamazepine, calcium-channel blockers, haloperidol, methyldopa, phenothiazines, SSRIs, TCAs. Increased serum levels with COX-2 inhibitors, NSAIDs (except sulindac, aspirin), tetracyclines, thiazide diuretics. Increased risk of encephalopathy with haloperidol. Increased risk of serotonin syndrome with sibutramine. Fatal malignant hyperpyrexia may occur when used with MAOIs.

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