Problems associated with Lithosun (Lithium carbonate) therapy

Lithosun is a brand name of Lithium carbonate. It is a medication prescribed for bipolar disorder and resistant depression. However it can cause various toxic effects and side effects. Since it is a toxic chemical there are many problems associated with it.

Problems related to medications can be classified as relative and absolute. In absolute, the treatment should not be commenced for reason. But in relative, the treatment can be commenced after weighing the risks and benefits by an expert in the field. Most of the problems in Lithosun therapy are in the relative type.

What are the conditions, Lithosun is prescribed?

Lithosun is considered as a mood stabilizer, where it prevents mood swings (mania to depression and vice versa) of the bipolar disorder.

In addition Lithosun is prescribed in resistant depression. It is used to augment the effects of anti-depressant medications. Some psychiatrists use this medication to treat resistant schizophrenia as well.

Lithosun acts by a complex mechanism, which is not fully understood. It is thought that Lithosun acts by changing various complex neurotransmitters.

What are the Problems associated?

Severe hypothyroidism

Lithosun is known to reduce the thyroid gland function. So doctors will not usually prescribe Lithosun to severe hypothyroidism patients. However it can be prescribed to people with mild to moderate hypothyroidism. Here thyroxin hormone is co prescribed with Lithosun. In addition patients should monitor there thyroid function levels during the therapy.

Courtesy : Wikipedia

Severe renal failure

Lithosun is excreted from the kidneys. So in renal (kidney) failure, Lithosun accumulates inside the body. So it can lead to Lithosun toxicity. However Lithosun can be given very cautiously in mild to moderate renal impairment. In addition Lithosun can itself cause renal impairment, so renal functions should be checked during Lithosun treatment.

Courtesy : www.kidneytreatment.space

Heart disease

Lithosun can cause several electrocardiogram changes that may cause confusion with existing cardiac problems. In addition Lithosun is usually not given to patients with severe heart failure.
In addition Lithosun is also used very cautiously in sodium metabolism problems such as Addison’s and Conn's disease.

Courtesy : www.materheartfailureservice.ie

Pregnancy

Lithosun is known to cause cardiac problems in an unborn child. There are documented cases of cardiac anomalies (Epstein anomaly), so most doctors will change this medication to something else during pregnancy. So if you happened to get pregnant while on Lithosun then you must inform your doctor immediately.

Lactation

Lithosun should not be used in breast feeding. So patients are usually advised to bottle feed there babies.

Courtesy : Wikipedia

Conclusion

Lithosun is an essential drug in bipolar disorder treatment. However, due to the toxicity it is not used in many co existing conditions.

Why Lithosun (Lithium carbonate) be toxic?

Lithosun is a brand of Lithium carbonate manufactured by Sun Pharma India.

Lithium  is an essential medication in treating Bipolar Affective disorder. It is especially effective in Manic phase of the illness. Numerous studies have shown its effectiveness and no one doubts its effectiveness. However, it is a toxic metallic ion that can be fatal if taken overdose.

Its toxic effects are thought to be mediated via Lithosun ‘s ability to interfere with Sodium potassium channels in neurons. In a normal neuronal cell, there is an electrical gradient between outer and inner cell membranes. This electrical gradient is essential for neuronal transmission. Problem with Lithium is Human body mistakenly thinks Lithium is sodium and incorporate it instead of Sodium in the ion channels. This disrupts cell membrane electrical gradient and disrupt neuronal transmission. However, this effect is marked only in over dose.

Normally Lithosun is toxic when the plasma levels go beyond 1.2 mmol/l. Problem is that lithium need to be given dose above 0.6 mmol/l to be effective. Therefore, Lithosun level should be maintained within a very narrow spectrum. Therefore, patients who are on lithium should follow strict guidelines on how to maintain lithium levels at optimal level.

Generally following advices should be followed to avoid Lithosun toxicity,

1.       Take adequate water.

2.       When going to a doctor for any other illness, patients need to tell him/her that they are taking lithium as some medications can cause dangerous interactions with Lithium

3.       In addition, they should know toxic side effects of Lithium such as Gross tremors of limbs, severe vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion.

4.       Check blood lithium levels at least three monthly intervals. However, in some centers Blood lithium level test can be an expensive one.

 Another interesting finding is before 1951 Lithium is included in popular soft drink 7Up. It was introduced to improve mood. After that it was discontinued due to reports of toxicity.