LITHIUM CARBONATE ER

Lithium Carbonate 300mg, Oral tablet, extended release

Caffeine-containing Foods/Beverages

· Severity: Major

· Notes for Consumers: Caffeine may decrease the effectiveness of Lithium. It is advisable to limit your caffeine intake (including teas, coffees, colas and non-prescription or herbal medicines containing caffeine) while taking Lithium. Report any changes in mood or emotions to your health care provider.

· Notes for Professionals: Caffeine appears to reduce serum lithium concentrations. In 11 coffee-drinking patients stabilized on lithium, serum lithium concentrations increased during 2 weeks when coffee was withheld and fell when coffee was resumed. Lithium ADRs have also been noted to increase simultaneously with a reduction in caffeine intake. Patients taking lithium should be counseled regarding their intake of caffeine. Clinicians should note, however, that coffee, not pure caffeine, was the variable in this study. Other beverages that contain significant amounts of caffeine include green tea, other teas, and cola. Because guarana contains a substantial caffeine content, this herb should be avoided in patients taking lithium.

Lithium Carbonate 300mg, Oral tablet, extended release

Foods high in sodium

· Severity: Moderate

· Notes for Consumers: Changes in sodium (salt) intake could result in changes in the Lithium level. It is important to have a consistent dietary intake of salt, and to make sure you drink adequate fluids. Remember that some foods may be high in sodium, talk to your health care provider if you have any questions about your diet. Your prescriber may order blood tests to measure the level of Lithium and Sodium (salt) in your blood. When taking Lithium, contact your prescriber immediately if you become confused, extremely tired or drowsy, or have nausea/vomiting, muscle weakness, slurred speech, tremor, or loss of balance.

· Notes for Professionals: Excessive salt intake may result in increased lithium excretion and therefore, decreased serum lithium concentrations. In addition, high fluid intake may increase lithium excretion. It is recommended that patients taking lithium maintain consistent dietary sodium consumption and adequate fluid intake, during the initial stabilization period and throughout treatment . Moderate to significant dietary sodium changes may affect lithium excretion.

<b>DISCLAIMER:</b><em> This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.</em>