Symptoms of Lithium Carbonate Overdose

Lithium carbonate's use as a prescription medication is often fraught with adverse side effects. The use of this drug in the treatment of manic-depressive disorder involves frequent dosage adjustments to find the right dosage amount. As a result, the risk of overdose is very real. There are certain symptoms to look out for when taking this drug.

Identification

• Lithium carbonate is a prescription medication used in the treatment of manic-depressive personality disorders. A person who suffers from manic-depressive illness will experience cyclic moods of severe depression and mania that alternate over prolonged periods of time. Symptoms of mania include hyperactive behavior, rapid thought processes, elation and aggression. Lithium carbonate works by stabilizing mood swings and maintaining the chemical levels needed to promote a balanced emotional state. It comes in capsule, tablet and syrup forms.

Function

• Lithium carbonate is a salt compound that works by altering how nerve and muscle cells metabolize sodium. Lithium's method of action targets the brain chemicals which trigger manic episodes. As a result, the body is better able to tolerate the drug during manic cycles, whereas the likelihood of experiencing an overdose is greater during depression cycles. As Lithium is a salt compound, it can affect the body's salt re-absorption process, as well as the body's potassium levels. An overdose in dosage amount can lead to depleted sodium levels in the body. Symptoms of salt depletion include diarrhea, excessive perspiration and fever.

Effects

• Lithium carbonate travels through bloodstream and alters cellular chemical processes throughout the body. A certain amount of the drug is needed to effectively balance a person's body chemistry. Symptom relief will not take place until this therapeutic level is found. However, therapeutic dosages fall just below the amount needed to cause blood toxicity. Individuals who are on lithium treatment must have regular blood testing done to monitor lithium levels in the blood. Symptoms of toxicity are caused by problems associated with kidney and central nervous system function.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of blood toxicity include loss of appetite, fatigue, confusion and slurred speech. In the most severe cases, coma and even death can result. When kidney functions start to suffer, individuals are at risk of developing a condition called nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, in which the kidneys are unable to conserve water. Symptoms of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus are watery urine, frequent urination and excessive thirst. Symptoms of overdose related to central nervous system function include problems sleeping, dizziness, hand tremors and changes in heart rate.

Warning

• Because of lithium carbonate's effects on the body's fluid levels, individuals who take this drug should use caution when exercising so as to avoid excessive fluid loss. Proper hydration is required when taking this medication, so drinking lots of fluids is recommended. Lithium is also known to cause adverse effects when taken with other medications. Anti-inflammatory drugs may interfere with the body's ability to eliminate lithium from the system, which can lead to toxic levels. Naproxen, ibuprophen and indomethicin are some of the anti-inflammatory drugs to avoid when taking lithium carbonate.