Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Thirst
Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)
Nausea
Muscle weakness
Weight gain
Decreased kidney function
Balance problems involving the inner ear (vertigo)
Low blood thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
Overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
Excessive fluid retention in the body tissues, resulting in swelling (oedema)
Increased production of urine (polyuria)
Worsening of skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, rashes or leg ulcers
Lithium toxicity if lithium level is too high - see warning above
Memory problems
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
It is important that you check with your doctor or pharmacist before you take any new medicines while you are taking lithium. This includes medicines bought without a prescription and herbal medicines.
The following medicines may increase the levels of lithium in the blood, causing an increased risk of lithium side effects:
- diuretics, such as bendrofluazide, frusemide
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as indomethacin, diclofenac, ibuprofen
- ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril, captopril
- corticosteroids, such as prednisolone
- tetracycline antibiotics, such as tetracycline, doxycycline.
The following medicines may increase the risk of lithium side effects, possibly without increasing the blood level of the lithium:
- methyldopa
- phenytoin
- carbamazepine.
If lithium is taken with antipsychotic medicines, such as flupentixol or haloperidol, there may be an increased risk of side effects from these medicines.
There may be an increased risk of side effects if lithium is taken with tricyclic, tetracyclic or SSRI antidepressants.
The following medicines may decrease the blood level of lithium, making it less effective:
- antacids that contain sodium, eg sodium bicarbonate
- theophylline.
Other medicines containing the same active ingredients
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