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What Are the Causes of Lithium Diarrhea?

Lithium carbonate is often prescribed to stabilize moods in bipolar patients. The dosage is at least partially determined by a patient's weight, though doctors often prescribe a starting dose of about 300 milligrams twice daily. However, sometimes the medication can produce diarrhea.

  1. Interaction with Other Medications

    • If you are taking calcium channel-blocking agents (such as Cleviprex or Isophin) at the same time you take lithium, you may develop the signs of neurotoxicity. These include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

    Stopping Lithium Suddenly

    • Patients who have been taking lithium, but suddenly stop doing so may experience diarrhea, as well as other effects, such as nausea, tension and heart palpitation.

    Lithium Concentrations

    • Should you have a high concentration of lithium in your body, you can experience severe nausea and diarrhea, dizziness and even an arrhythmic heartbeat. These symptoms can last for several days.

    Lithium Toxicity

    • In the event that you take more lithium than is prescribed, the medication can become toxic. This can occur when one overdoses on the pills, or even when a patient simply adds part of a pill to your regular prescribed dosage over time (chronic toxicity). Among the side effects of this is diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration.

    Considerations

    • In order to derive the maximum benefit from your lithium dosage, you should have a blood test conducted by your doctor on a regular basis. This will also help you avoid many of the side-effects of the drug, including diarrhea.

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