LITHIUM CARBONATE ER

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not break, crush or chew. Take after a meal or snack to avoid stomach upset. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. The amount of this medication you take is very important. Taking more than the prescribed dose can cause serious side effects. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your care team.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It can take several weeks of treatment before you start to get better.
The amount of salt (sodium) in your body influences the effects of this medication, and this medication can increase salt loss from the body. Eat a normal diet that includes salt. Do not change to salt substitutes. Avoid changes involving diet, or medications that include large amounts of sodium like sodium bicarbonate. Ask your care team for advice if you are not sure.
Drink plenty of fluids while you are taking this medication. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea and colas. You will need extra fluids if you have diarrhea or sweat a lot. This will help prevent toxic effects from this medication. Be careful not to get overheated during exercise, saunas, hot baths, and hot weather. Consult your care team if you have a high fever or persistent diarrhea.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.