Aspect Results of Lithium to Be Conscious of — Talkspace

How you can Handle Lithium Aspect Results

To maximise the effectiveness of Lithium remedy, it’s essential to grasp and handle its potential unwanted effects. 

Listed below are 7 suggestions for managing the widespread and critical Lithium unwanted effects long run:

1. Monitor your blood ranges

Lithium toxicity is an actual threat, so monitoring your blood ranges is important. Your physician will doubtless order assessments periodically to make sure the dosage is just not too excessive or low. If the outcomes come again irregular, they could regulate your Lithium dose accordingly.

2. Take remedy as prescribed

It’s essential to observe your physician’s directions when taking any drugs, together with Lithium. Taking greater than prescribed may result in harmful unwanted effects like serotonin syndrome and even dying in excessive circumstances. Moreover, lacking doses may trigger signs of mania or despair to return.

3. Drink loads of water

Staying hydrated helps cut back a few of the extra widespread Lithium unwanted effects, equivalent to nausea and vomiting. Ingesting sufficient fluids additionally helps flush out the physique, which might cut back bloating and different gastrointestinal points brought on by this remedy. Ingesting a minimum of 8 glasses every day is really helpful for optimum well being advantages.

“An elevated dose of Lithium may cause tremors and weak spot that worsens when you stroll. Whereas taking Lithium, sufferers need to watch out to watch their water consumption and never get dehydrated.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir 

4. Keep away from alcohol

Alcohol ought to be averted when taking Lithium since it might enhance toxicity ranges within the physique, resulting in critical problems equivalent to seizures, confusion, coma, and even dying. Even very small quantities of alcohol ought to be rigorously monitored or averted as a result of simultaneous drug interactions may cause hostile results.

5. Get sufficient relaxation

A gentle sleep routine is important for controlling the results of prolonged Lithium use, equivalent to snooze disruptions. To make sure you get sufficient shut-eye every evening, strive establishing wholesome sleeping habits like setting a constant bedtime, slicing out caffeine after sunset, and limiting display time earlier than mattress.  

6. Keep lively

Common bodily exercise will help cut back nervousness. Day by day train releases endorphins which act as pure temper stabilizers, serving to to fight despair or manic episode occurrences. Incorporating an train routine into your every day life may be an efficient solution to management the repercussions of extended Lithium utilization.  

7. Follow self-care

Stress administration is a vital part of reaching optimum psychological well being. Being form to your self and working towards self-care may be instrumental in coping with each signs of a situation and the unwanted effects of remedy. Meditation, yoga, and deep respiration methods can distract the thoughts and middle your ideas. 

Managing Lithium unwanted effects may be difficult, however it’s attainable with correct steering and assist. If unwanted effects don’t go away, be sure that to speak to a physician first earlier than stopping remedy. Quitting chilly turkey can lead to Lithium withdrawal signs that will convey extra discomfort than the remedy’s unwanted effects.