When are lithium levels too high?

Symptoms of lithium toxicity include severe nausea and vomiting, severe hand tremors, confusion, and vision changes. If you experience these, you should seek immediate medical attention to check your lithium levels.

How much lithium can you take?

Lithium is usually taken 1-3 times per day with or without food. Typically patients begin at a low dose of medicine and the dose is increased slowly over several weeks. The dose usually ranges from 600 mg to 1200 mg daily, but some people may require higher doses depending on weight or symptoms.

How much lithium is recommended daily?

Adults and children 12 years of age—600 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day, or 3 times a day up to 1200 mg per day. Children younger than 12 years of age—Use is not recommended.

Is 1500 mg of lithium too much?

Some people take more than 1,200 mg per day, especially during acute episodes. Others may be more sensitive to lower doses. A safe blood level of lithium is 0.6 and 1.2 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Lithium toxicity can happen when this level reaches 1.5 mEq/L or higher.

Can lithium damage your brain?

Serum lithium levels of 1.5-2.0 mM may have mild and reversible toxic effects on kidney, liver, heart, and glands. Serum levels of >2 mM may be associated with neurological symptoms, including cerebellar dysfunction. Prolonged lithium intoxication >2 mM can cause permanent brain damage.

Is 900mg of lithium a lot?

The right dosage of lithium varies from person to person, but most people are prescribed between 900 milligrams (mg) to 1,200 mg per day, in divided doses. Some people take more than 1,200 mg per day, especially during acute episodes. Others may be more sensitive to lower doses.

Does lithium ruin your kidneys?

Kidney damage due to lithium may include acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term) kidney disease and kidney cysts. The amount of kidney damage depends on how long you have been taking lithium. It is possible to reverse kidney damage caused by lithium early in treatment, but the damage may become permanent over time.

Is 900 mg of lithium a lot?

How far apart should I take my lithium?

You will usually take your lithium once a day, at night. This is because when you have your regular blood test, you need to have it 12 hours after taking your medicine. You can choose when you take your lithium – just try to keep to the same time every day.

Is 1200mg of lithium considered a high dose?

Not High: 1200 mg of lithium is not necessarily a high dose. Lithium is dosed based on blood level, so i can only say if it is a low or high dose based on your blood level (taken 12 hours after your nighttime dose).

What happens if you take lithium twice a day?

Taking an increased dose is a dangerous risk that may put too much lithium into your bloodstream at once. Sometimes it is ok to take your medication a little bit later if you forget to take them on time – but DON’T DOUBLE UP.

What is the right lithium dosage for bipolar disorder?

Lithium helps reduce episodes of mania and lowers the risk of suicide in people with these conditions. The right dosage of lithium varies from person to person, but most people are prescribed between 900 milligrams (mg) to 1,200 mg per day, in divided doses.

What is severe lithium toxicity?

Severe lithium toxicity happens at a level of 2.0 mEq/L and above, which can be life-threatening in rare cases. Levels of 3.0 mEq/L and higher are considered a medical emergency.