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Priadel Side Effects

According to the World Health Organization, about 222 million adults worldwide suffer from bipolar disorder or manic depression, a mental illness that can cause extremes shifts from euphoria to depression. Priadel, which is the brand name for lithium carbonate in the United Kingdom, is used to reduce mood swings. Despite its effectiveness, Priadel is not for everyone, as it presents several risks for side effects and complications.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • The most common side effects of Priadel are not normally cause for concern. Many patients who take the drug report gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and weight gain during the early phases of treatment. With higher doses of the drug, you may experience giddiness, lack of coordination, blurred vision and ringing in your ears. Shaking hands, increased thirst and excessive urination are also common side effects of Priadel.

    Other Side Effects

    • Priadel also has the potential to cause a number of other troublesome or annoying, but not dangerous, side effects. Neurological side effects include headaches, dizziness, tiredness, confusion and restlessness. Some patients experience thinning hair, itching or skin rashes while using Priadel. Others report a metallic taste to food while taking the drug.

    Drug Interactions

    • Some medications produce unwanted side effects when used in conjunction with Priadel. Priadel can cause extended paralysis when combined with neuromuscular blocking agents such as Mivarcon and Raplon. Using diuretics and ACE inhibitors can lead to a toxic build-up of Priadel in your system, which increases your risk of developing serious side effects from the drug. Additionally, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like indomethacin, cause increased side effects when used with Priadel.

    Risks

    • Priadel has the potential to cause serious medical complications. Some patients experience thyroid underactivity from Priadel, which causes exhaustion and malaise. Serious neurological side effects of the drug include blackouts, slurred speech and incontinence. In some patients, Priadel causes increased cranial pressure, which may result in blindness over time. Infrequently, Priadel usage results in low blood pressure rates and irregular heartbeat. Additionally, there are rare cases of Priadel leading to decreased kidney function.

    Considerations

    • Priadel can cause low birth weight; typically it is not used during pregnancy. The drug is not used in children under 12. Decreasing or increasing your intake of sodium while using Priadel may result in serious side effects, so consult your doctor before adopting any new dietary plans. Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart or kidney disease, Addison's Syndrome or hypothyroidism. Since Priadel may cause dizziness and drowsiness, you should not operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery until you know how Priadel will affect you. If you have psoriasis, you may experience a worsening of your skin condition while using the drug.

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