Lithium Treatment Information
- By:Juliet Cohen
Lithium is used to treat manic or depressive (bipolar), and depressive disorders. Lithium brand names are eskalith, eskalith-CR, lithobid, lithonat and lithotabs. Lithium is in a class of drugs called agents antimanic. It works by decreasing abnormal activity in the brain. Lithium is a positively charged or particles that are similar to those of sodium and potassium. It interferes in several places in cells and on the cell surface positively charged with other atoms such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium, which are important in many cellular functions. Lithium is an alloying agent used for the synthesis of organic compounds.
Lithium comes as a tablet, capsule, tablet prolonged release, and the solution to be taken by mouth. The tablets, capsules and the solution is usually taken three or four times per day. Lithium is used to treat manic episodes of manic depression. Manic symptoms include hyperactivity, rushed speech, poor judgement, reducing the need for sleep and anger. Lithium also helps to prevent or reduce the intensity of the episodes of mania. Lithium is used as a feed to promote smelting during welding and soldering. It also eliminates the formation of oxides during welding by absorbing impurities. Lithium is used as a source of alpha particles or helium nuclei.
Lithium is silvery in appearance, a bit like Na, K, and other members of the series of alkali metals. It reacts with water, but not as strongly as sodium. Lithium can cause side effects. More side effects: fine hand tremor, fatigue, thirst, polyuria. Some still remember precautions when using lithium. Do not use lithium without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Using an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Or avoid becoming overheated dehydrated during the year and in hot weather. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as dangerous as not drinking enough.About the author:
Juliet Cohen writes article for Home Remedies. She also writes articles for Makeup and Skin Care.