Common use

Eskalith (lithium carbonate) is a proven mood stabilizer and the gold standard medication for treating bipolar disorder. Lithium is used to treat and prevent manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression. Manic symptoms include hyperactivity, rushed speech, poor judgment, reduced need for sleep, aggression, anger, and impulsive behavior that can severely disrupt daily life.

As a mood stabilizer, Eskalith works by affecting the flow of sodium through nerve and muscle cells in the body, helping to stabilize mood and prevent the extreme emotional highs and lows characteristic of bipolar disorder. Lithium also helps to prevent or lessen the intensity of future manic episodes, making it invaluable for long-term mental health management. Additionally, Eskalith may be prescribed to reduce the frequency and severity of depressive episodes in bipolar patients, providing comprehensive bipolar medication coverage.



Dosage and direction

Take Eskalith by mouth, usually 3-4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is carefully individualized based on blood lithium levels, which must be monitored regularly. Take lithium carbonate with or immediately after meals to lessen stomach upset. Drink 8 to 12 glasses (8 ounces or 240 milliliters each) of water or other fluid each day, and maintain a healthy diet with normal amounts of salt (sodium) as directed by your doctor or dietitian while taking this bipolar medication.

Maintaining consistent fluid and sodium intake is crucial because changes in hydration or salt consumption can significantly affect lithium levels in your blood. The therapeutic window for lithium is narrow, meaning there is a small difference between an effective dose and a toxic dose. Your doctor will order regular blood tests to monitor your lithium levels and ensure they remain within the safe and effective range, typically between 0.6 and 1.2 mEq/L for maintenance therapy.



Precautions

Before taking Eskalith, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to lithium carbonate or if you have any other allergies. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or surgeon that you are using this mood stabilizer medication.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages, as alcohol can worsen the sedative effects and interfere with your mental health treatment.

Avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated during exercise, hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. Dehydration can cause lithium to build up to dangerous levels in your body. Watch for signs of lithium toxicity, including severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, muscle weakness, tremor, loss of coordination, blurred vision, or ringing in your ears.

This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy because of possible harm to an unborn baby, including heart problems and other birth defects. Consult your doctor for more details and discuss alternative mental health treatment options if you are planning to become pregnant.



Contraindications

Before taking Eskalith, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

heart disease or cardiovascular conditions;

kidney disease or impaired renal function — lithium is primarily cleared by the kidneys;

under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism) — lithium can worsen thyroid function;

a severe or debilitating medical condition; or

if you are dehydrated or have low levels of sodium in your blood (hyponatremia).

Lithium carbonate can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use Eskalith without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this bipolar medication. Lithium also passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant, so breastfeeding is generally not recommended during mania treatment with Eskalith.



Possible side effects

Drowsiness, tiredness, increased thirst, increased frequency of urination, weight gain, and mildly shaking hands (fine tremor) may occur when starting Eskalith. These common side effects should go away as your body adjusts to the mood stabilizer medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fainting, vision changes (e.g., growing blind spot, vision loss), seizures, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, joint swelling or pain, pain or discoloration of fingers and toes, cold hands or feet, or signs of thyroid problems (unusual weight gain or loss, sensitivity to cold or heat, neck swelling).

Signs of lithium toxicity requiring immediate medical attention include: severe nausea, persistent vomiting, profuse diarrhea, coarse hand tremors, muscle twitching, confusion, slurred speech, and lack of coordination. Contact your healthcare provider or emergency services right away if you experience these symptoms.



Drug interaction

Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Many medications can affect lithium levels in the blood, potentially leading to toxicity or reduced effectiveness.

Eskalith should not be used with the following medication because a very serious interaction may occur: sibutramine.

Before using this mood stabilizer, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: acetazolamide, ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril), angiotensin receptor blockers, bulk-producing laxatives, calcitonin, calcium channel blockers, desmopressin, other drugs for mental/mood conditions, methyldopa, metronidazole, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs — these can increase lithium levels), anti-seizure drugs, SSRI antidepressants, theophylline, tricyclic antidepressants, and diuretics (water pills such as hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide — these can significantly increase lithium levels by reducing kidney clearance).



Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Eskalith, take it as soon as you remember unless your next scheduled dose is within 4 hours. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. Consistent dosing is essential for maintaining therapeutic lithium levels and effective bipolar disorder management.



Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Lithium overdose can be life-threatening. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, muscle weakness, tremor, lack of coordination, blurred vision, ringing in your ears, seizures, loss of consciousness, or cardiac arrhythmias. Immediate hospitalization and medical intervention are necessary for lithium carbonate overdose.



Storage

Store Eskalith at room temperature away from moisture and light. Do not store in the bathroom, where temperature and humidity fluctuate. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Properly dispose of expired lithium medication according to local guidelines or consult your pharmacist.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. The specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.