lithium

lithium /lith·i·um/ (Li) (lith´e-um) a chemical element, at. no. 3. Its salts, especially l. carbonate and l. citrate, are used to treat and prevent manic states in bipolar disorder.

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lith·i·um (lth-m)

n. Symbol Li

A soft, highly reactive metallic element whose carbonate form is used in psychopharmacology. Atomic number 3.

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Lithium (Lithane, Lithromate)

A drug used to treat manic depression (bipolar disorder) that can be transmitted in breast milk.

Mentioned in: Lactation, Thyroid Function Tests

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lithium (Li)

[lith′ē·əm]

Etymology: Gk, lithos, stone

a silver-white alkali metal occurring in various compounds such as petalite and spodumene. Its atomic number is 3; its atomic mass is 6.94. Lithium is the lightest known metal and one of the most reactive elements. Traces of lithium ion occur in animal tissue, and it abounds in many alkaline mineral spring waters. Its salts are used in the treatment of manias, but the mechanisms by which these compounds help to stabilize psychologic moods are not understood. Lithium carbonate is a salt commonly used for psychiatric purposes in the United States. It has been effective in the prevention of recurrent attacks of manic-depressive illnesses and has helped correct sleep disorders in manic patients, apparently by suppressing the rapid eye movement phases of sleep. Therapeutic concentrations of lithium have no observable psychotropic effects on normal individuals. In manic patients, lithium salts also produce high-voltage slow waves in the electroencephalograph, often with superimposed beta waves. An important feature of the lithium ion is its relatively small gradient of distribution across biologic membranes. Patients suffering severe manic attacks are hospitalized so that they can receive proper medical maintenance. Treatments start with large doses of antipsychotic drugs, which are followed by the gradual and safe introduction of lithium therapy. Ideally lithium treatment is prescribed only for patients with normal sodium intake and normal heart and kidney function.

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lithium,

n a metal/element (Li) used in the treatment of bipolar disorders and sometimes used in the treatment of herpes.

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lithium

a chemical element, atomic number 3, atomic weight 6.939, symbol Li. See Table 6.

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lithium carbonate

used in the treatment of canine cyclic hematopoiesis to stabilize numbers of neutrophils.

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Patient discussion about lithium.

Q. What happens if I stop taking the lithium? The lithium do me bad. If I stop- everything will be o.k?

A. Don't come off lithium on your own.. talk to your doctor they will wean you off and try a different medication. You will likely get your bipolar symptoms again if you come off of lithium, however there are other meds that work well, so talk to your doctor first.

Q. How is the brain involved with bipolar disease? What parts of the brain are defected in a person whom suffers from bipolar? I need to know how bipolar effects the brain.

A. bipolar is not a disease and is not 'caused' by seratonin in the brain, in fact 'bipolar disease' does not even exist. It is a label invented by psychitrists to describe a set of symptoms. These 'symptoms'- or ways of acting and reacting come about (often in very creative people)as a response to 'life'! which can include distress, abuse, greif, that we all deal with in different ways....how resiliant or sensitive we are to life is dependant on many factors - with important childhood events being a key one. 'bipolar' is in fact a normal reaction (given a persons particular sensitivities) to lifes difficult circumstances.
With love, support, someone to talk to and trust and sometimes a gentle nuturing place of safety and rest in times of distress we can learn about, control and make the most of our unique ways of being in the world. Medication is not helpful...it numbs the mind and prevents us from being fully human, as well as making drug companys literally billions of $$.

Q. Why a mood stabilizer like lithium is commonly prescribed to all type of bipolars. Why a mood stabilizer like lithium is commonly prescribed to all type of bipolars before any other medicine?

A. Lithium is an effective mood stabilizer for a lot of people however it is not for everyone. My partner had a very bad reaction to lithium and is now on Lamotrigine, which is working very well for her. Mood stabilizers are a vital part of a treatment program for bipolar patience, it helps control and balance moods.