I have a question about the drug called Lithium

curley · August 30, 2005, 4:22am

Hi,I'am fromthe crohns board but wanted to ask a question about a drug called Lithium.My Brother-in-law is Bipolar and his Doctor had him on 400mg aday of lithium,well the lithium caused him to have a zesuere (sorry spelled wrong)but any was the Doctor's at the emergency room said that he had three times the amount of lithium in his system and wwas suprised that he has not gone into a coma.His levels were 3 and they said it should have been at least 1.3.So what I was told.Do any of you know any thing about lithium?If so I would be very appreciated for any info on this drug.

Thanks

bipolarwoman · August 30, 2005, 1:03pm

Did he get his level done 4 days after he started? (In the a.m. BEFORE he took it).

Does he take Advil or aspirin regularly? If so, this can make it stronger in the bloodstream because it affects the way the kidneys process it. It's a salt mineral, so the kidneys play a big role.