Psychopharmacology - Lithium
4 important questions on Psychopharmacology - Lithium
Side Effects following Lithium initiation
Lethargy
Insipidus - Symptoms such as polyuria, polydypsia
Tremors - Can be challanged with oral beta blockers if no contraindication
Hypothyroidsm - consider thyroxine
Impaired cognitive function
Upset GI
Muscle cramps
TDM monitoring of Lithium
- Best therapeutic value falls between 0.6-1.0
- Toxicity value is expected to range more than 1.0
- Monitoring once stable may between 3-6 monthly
- For each dose adjustment, after 5 days is advisable to monitor TDM Lithium
Drug interactions with Lithium
- Thiazide : Reduce renal clearance of Lithium
- NSAID : May also precipitate Lithium concentration
- May need to consider more frequent TDM monitoring an renal functions
- Higher grades + faster learning
- Never study anything twice
- 100% sure, 100% understanding
Evidence base Lithium use
· Its ‘anti-suicidal’ property makes it especially favorable as patients with TRD often manifest suicidal ideation.
The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:
- A unique study and practice tool
- Never study anything twice again
- Get the grades you hope for
- 100% sure, 100% understanding

















