Lithium preparations: instructions, application and feedback

Today, lithium in medicines is quite often. What is the reason for this? Studies have shown that drugs based on lithium salts can effectively cope with mental disorders. This kind of medicines at the moment is a huge variety. This makes it possible to make an informed choice and, with the help of consultations of competent specialists, select the appropriate drug that will have a positive effect on the patient's condition. How do lithium drugs work? How safe are they? Who would be appropriate to appoint them? What kind of medicines belong to the group of drugs under consideration? More information is provided in this article.

Lithium salts

Preparations, which contain such substances, are currently considered to be the best means for arresting a variety of manic and hypomanic phenomena in the patient's mental state. Equally effective in the prevention of bipolar disorders.

Lithium drugs last a little longer than many effective antipsychotics. Especially those that are prescribed for injection. But it is these salts (lithium preparations) that experts consider most preferable for correction of the condition in the so-called pure mania.

Such medicines have only one significant drawback. Some of them (in particular, lithium carbonate - the most common drug in this group) are not released as a solution for injection.

The use of lithium in psychiatry

For the first time this kind of remedy in this field of medicine was used about forty years ago. Lithium preparations in psychiatry are used to significantly alleviate the symptoms of the manic-depressive state (it is a mental disorder characterized by sharp transitions from absolute desperation to uncontrollable ecstasy, and is also known in medicine as bipolar disorder). Although, of course, the substance in question can not cure the ailment to the full, but it will help smooth out its extreme manifestations.

It is also important to note that each lithium-containing drug effectively normalizes mood, corrects the emotional state during depression.

Adverse events

Provided that lithium preparations are taken for a long time and with increased content of the substance in the blood, unpleasant side effects can occur. Among them, a feeling of constant fatigue, weakness, temporary tremor of hands, dizziness, dysuric phenomena, a decrease in the volume of accommodation, dyspeptic phenomena. These side effects of additional treatment do not require and pass independently for a certain time.

More complex conditions require immediate medical intervention and conservative treatment. When they appear, they should immediately seek medical advice from a doctor.

Overdose

The main manifestation in excess of the permissible dose of the drugs of the group under consideration is lithium drug poisoning. How to recognize it? In acute poisoning, at the first stage, there are various symptoms of gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and, as a result, dehydration. Later, various neurological disorders and malfunctions in the cardiovascular system develop. At the first suspicions on a poisoning with lithium preparations it is necessary to address immediately to the expert who will help to diagnose a situation correctly and to appoint effective treatment.

Application in pregnancy

Can a woman be in a position to use funds that include lithium? The drug on the basis of the substance in question can become dangerous for the developing fetus. For example, such medications provoke the development of heart defects in a child. If nevertheless the preparations containing lithium are shown for application by the pregnant woman, then it is important to be constantly under the control of the attending physician who will be able to monitor the concentration of this substance in the plasma. If this is not done, the baby can be diagnosed with hypotension or goitre.

Further, we will consider some lithium preparations, the names of which you can find in the pharmacies and prescriptions of the treating doctors.

"The Quilinum"

The main component of the drug is lithium carbonate. This drug is available in the form of capsules or tablets that are coated with a specialized coating.

"Quinonum tablets" are lithium drugs, the action of which is aimed at arresting manic conditions of diverse genesis, schizoaffective psychosis, migraine, sexual disorders, alcoholism, manic-depressive psychosis, and a variety of drug addictions.

There are some conditions that do not allow patients to take the drug in question. Among them: infection, kidney failure, hypersensitivity to any components of the drug, leukemia, psoriasis, the period of breastfeeding, urinary retention, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes, epilepsy, intraventricular blockade, parkinsonism, the period of bearing, rehabilitation after surgery.

With prolonged use of the drug, certain side reactions may occur, for example, hand tremor, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, diarrhea, dizziness, seizures, hypothyroidism, adynamia, myasthenia, coordination disorder, drowsiness, increased thirst.

"Contemnol"

The drug is prolonged action. Produced in glass bottles.

The medication is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, and its maximum concentration in the blood is reached after nine hours.

The drug should be taken for at least six months as prescribed by the doctor. It is recommended to take in the following cases: sexual deviations, Meniere's syndrome, migraine, quarter bouts, drug addiction, seasonal aggressiveness of psychopaths.

Do not use the product if you suffer from water-electrolyte balance disorders or kidney and cardiovascular disease.

It is forbidden to take the medicament in question during pregnancy.

"Lithium carbonate"

The drug can be purchased in the form of tablets in a specialized shell.

Use it rationally with functional mental disorders, epilepsy, emotional disorders, chronic alcoholism, depressive states. Sometimes specialists prescribe this medication for preventive purposes. It is also appropriate to take with psychoses, which are accompanied by fear, anxiety, anger, with chronic alcoholism in individuals who are characterized by an hysterical personality warehouse, excessive sensitivity and sudden mood swings. Effectively helps to avoid relapse in the psycho-traumatic conditions.

Take from nine tenths of a gram to two grams, depending on the doctor's recommendations. If the condition is not very serious, the dose is usually reduced to six tenths of a gram.

Use the drug is recommended only after eating. During the treatment period, you should limit the amount of salt in the food.

Do not take the drug if you suffer from thyroid disorders, cardiovascular diseases, impaired renal function.

This medication can be combined with any other antidepressants and antipsychotics.

"Litosan-SR"

The main active agent is lithium carbonate.

The drug is not allowed for cardiovascular diseases, infections, central nervous system diseases, pregnancy, individual intolerance to certain components of the drug, urine retention, water-electrolyte balance disorders, psoriasis, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus, renal insufficiency, during breastfeeding.

It is important at the beginning of therapy to monitor the concentration of lithium in the blood weekly. Later it can be done once a month, and then - once every two to three months. Blood for analysis should be collected early in the morning twelve hours after the last evening dose of the drug.

The drug affects the ability to adequately think and respond quickly, so it is not recommended to drive a car, engage in activities that can pose a threat to health and life, requiring a high reaction rate.

"Sedalit"

The drug is an anti-manic agent with an antidepressant effect. You can buy in the form of capsules or tablets in a shell.

The main indications for the use of this medication are affective disorders and psychoses, as well as manic conditions. Also it is appropriate to take it with Meniere's syndrome, migraines, sexual disorders, drug dependence.

Possible side effects: adynamia, thirst, acne, nausea, diarrhea, myasthenia gravis, vomiting, leukocytosis, hand tremor, heart rhythm disturbances, arrhythmia, excess weight gain, alopecia, drowsiness, pyoderma, dysarthria, loss of appetite, polyuria, convulsions, confusion .

The result

To alleviate the condition of patients who suffer from a variety of mental illnesses accompanied by serious emotional disorders, possibly due to a number of medicines manufactured using lithium salts. Such medications, judging by the opinions of specialists and real buyers, are incredibly effective and help to quit states of varying severity. Treatment with the drugs of this group should be appointed by a competent doctor who can correctly form a therapy regimen and later, if necessary, adjust it. Do not independently decide on the use of lithium drugs. At the same time, it is possible to make mistakes that negatively affect the patient's condition, or provoke a poisoning with lithium, which sometimes leads to death. It is important to pay sufficient attention to the study of contraindications, possible side effects. This will help to avoid unpleasant surprises or be prepared for any negative reactions from the patient's body. The constant monitoring of the attending physician will guarantee a safe course of the prescribed therapy.

Never forget to take care of yourself. Make an effort to choose the best quality product. Pay sufficient attention to the physical and mental well-being of your loved ones. Be always healthy!