Lithium can cause side effects such
as:
- Restlessness
- Dry mouth
- Bloating or indigestion
- Acne
- Unusual discomfort to cold temperatures
- Joint or muscle pain
- Brittle nails or hair.
When taking lithium, your doctor
should check the levels of lithium in your blood regularly, and will monitor
your kidney and thyroid function as well.
Lithium treatment may cause low
thyroid levels in some people.
Low thyroid function, called hypothyroidism,
has been associated with rapid cycling in some people with bipolar disorder,
especially women.
Because too much or too little
thyroid hormone can lead to mood and energy changes, it is important that your
doctor check your thyroid levels carefully.
You may need to take thyroid
medication, in addition to medications for bipolar disorder, to keep thyroid
levels balanced.
Common side effects of other mood
stabilizing medications include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Mood swings
- Stuffed or runny nose, or other cold-like symptoms.
These medications may also be linked
with rare but serious side effects.
Talk with your doctor or a pharmacist to
make sure you understand signs of serious side effects for the medications
you're taking.
If extremely bothersome or unusual side effects occur, tell your
doctor as soon as possible.
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