A drug widely used in the PROPHYLAXIS treatment of certain forms of MENTAL ILLNESS. The drug should be given only on specialist advice. The major indication for its use is acute MANIA; it induces improvement or remission in over 70 per cent of such patients. In addition, it is e?ective in the treatment of manic-depressive patients (see MANIC DEPRESSION), preventing both the manic and the depressive episodes. There is also evidence that it lessens aggression in prisoners who behave antisocially and in patients with learning diffculties who mutilate themselves and have temper tantrums.
Because of its possible toxic effects – including kidney damage – lithium must only be administered under medical supervision and with monitoring of the blood levels, as the gap between therapeutic and toxic concentrations is narrow. Due to the risk of its damaging the unborn child, it should not be prescribed, unless absolutely necessary, during pregnancy – particularly not in the ?rst three months. Mothers should not take it while breast feeding, as it is excreted in the milk in high concentrations. The drug should not be taken with DIURETICS.
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