- Discussion:
- for manic episodes of main depressive illness;
- acute mania: 600mg PO tid or 900mg SR bid;
- maintainance: 300mg PO tid/qid, may take 2 weeks for therapeutic effects;
- dosage must be titrated; follow serums levels,
- common side effects are: GI symptoms, polyuria, tremor, reversible DI;
- sodium retention diuretics (Na losing) may potentiate toxicity;
- check levels at 4-5 days after initiation; therapeutic: 0.6-1.2 mmol/lit; >2.0=toxic;
- caution in patients with NSAIDS:
- NSAIDS may increase serum lithium levels