How To Use Lithium Carbonate

Lithium carbonate comes in the form of immediate-release capsules and tablets, extended-release tablets, and an oral solution to take by mouth 2-4 times a day as prescribed.  You can take the medicine with or without food. Try to take your medication at around the same time(s) every day - this makes it easier to remember.

Read the prescription label carefully and follow your doctor’s dosing instructions. Do not increase or decrease the dose, change the dosing frequency, or switch to a different lithium carbonate product without talking to your healthcare provider. Your provider will start you on a low dose of lithium carbonate and gradually increase the dose based on your response. 

Keep all your healthcare appointments during lithium therapy. Your doctor will order blood tests for accurate serum lithium determinations and adjust your dose accordingly. You should know that lithium toxicity is closely linked to serum lithium levels and can occur at levels that are close to therapeutic levels. Therefore, close monitoring is required during lithium treatment to prevent the health risks associated with lithium toxicity.

Swallow the lithium carbonate extended-release capsules whole without cutting, chewing, or crushing them. Measure the dose of the liquid medicine with a dose-measuring syringe or cup and not a regular household spoon to ensure you take the correct dose. 

Lithium carbonate may help to control bipolar disorder, but it will not cure the condition. It can take up to 3 weeks to get the full effects of this medicine. Continue taking lithium even if you don’t have any symptoms. Do not stop the medication without talking to your doctor.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose of lithium carbonate, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine or a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Storage: Store lithium carbonate at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in its original container, tightly closed. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused lithium carbonate should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw lithium carbonate in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to properly discard expired or unneeded lithium is through a drug take-back program or your local waste disposal company. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on lithium carbonate. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about lithium carbonate, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice.

Discounted prices for lithium carbonate
 start at $9.09.

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