Why Is Lithium Carbonate Used for Bipolar Disorder?

According to the National Mental Health Awareness Campaign, 5.7 million adults are affected by bipolar disorder. In 1970, doctors starting using lithium carbonate to treat bipolar disorder. Lithium carbonate is a salt that works on the central nervous system in the brain to help patients with the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

How It Works

• Lithium carbonate helps patients to control the extreme highs and lows of bipolar disorder by balancing the chemicals in the brain.

How to Take It

• Lithium carbonate should be taken daily in regular intervals in order to keep an even level of lithium in the body. Lithium is available in tablet or capsule form and should be taken as prescribed by a doctor.

Side Effects

• Nausea, appetite loss and mild diarrhea are all common side effects that will go away once the body becomes adjusted to the medication. Patients might notice increased urination and thirst, which are not serious.

Tests

• Lithium levels need to be checked regularly at first and less often once the dose is adjusted. Too much lithium in the blood can cause more side effects, and low amounts may not alleviate symptoms.

Warning

• Signs of too much lithium carbonate in the blood include lack of coordination, muscle weakness, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion and an increase in tremors.

Benefits

• Many patients have been successfully treated for bipolar disorder with lithium carbonate and the addition of other drugs. Lithium treatment for bipolar disorder is a lifelong treatment and should not be discontinued because the patient feels better.