Lithobid (lithium) Coupons, Discounts & Cost
Lithobid is indicated in case of some forms of drug addiction, alcoholism (affective disorders). One way to save money on the Lithobid retail cost regardless of income and insurance status is to use Lithobid coupons or discount cards from RXCoupons. Use this Lithium coupon at this online pharmacy and receive up to 75% off the sale price.
What is Lithobid?
Lithobid (lithium) decreases the excitability of the central nervous system. This drug has both sedative (calming) and antimanic effect.
Lithobid is indicated in case of manic and hypomanic episodes, migraine, affective psychoses, sexual dysfunction, Meniere's disease, some forms of drug addiction, alcoholism (affective disorders).
What are Lithobid contraindications?
Absolute contraindications: - Leukemia; - Diseases of the cardiovascular system associated with cardiac arrhythmias; - Brugada syndrome; - Acute kidney failure; - Hypothyroidism; - Low levels of sodium in the body (Addison's disease, dehydration, salt-free diet); - Pregnancy and breastfeeding; - Patients under the age of 12 years; - Hypersensitivity to the drug.
Lithobid should be used with caution in the presence of diseases and conditions such as: - Hyperparathyroidism; - Hyperthyroidism; - Urinary retention; - Certain diseases of the cardiovascular system (including atrioventricular and intraventricular block); - Diabetes; - Psoriasis; - Central nervous system diseases (epilepsy, Parkinson's disease); - Renal insufficiency.
Lithobid therapy in pregnant women (especially during the first trimester) increases the likelihood of birth defects of the cardiovascular system.
What is the recommended dosage for Lithobid?
The drug should be taken after a meal (preferably). The initial daily dose is 600-900 mg (3-4 doses, the last one - in the evening before going to bed). After that the dose should be increased to 1200-1500 mg. The maximum daily dose is 2400 mg. Duration of treatment - 1-2 weeks. The daily dose should be gradually reduced to prophylactic dose (after the disappearance of manic symptoms) - 600-1200 mg.
What are some of Lithobid side effects?
The following side effects may occur:
Cardiovascular system: bradycardia, cardiac arrest, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, hypotension, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, peripheral vascular disease, sinus node dysfunction.
Digestive system: dry mouth, gastritis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation.
Musculoskeletal system: muscle weakness.
Nervous system: encephalopathy, memory disorders, stupor, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, coma, an irreversible lithium-effectuated neurotoxicity, muscle cramps, myasthenia gravis, serotonin syndrome, Parkinson's disease, extrapyramidal disorders, dizziness, ataxia, mild cognitive disorders (in cases of long-term therapy), slurred speech, vertigo, nystagmus, confusion.
Lymphatic and circulatory system: leukocytosis.
Endocrine system: thyroid dysfunction, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, parathyroid adenoma.
Reproductive system: sexual dysfunction.
Metabolism: anorexia, hypercalcemia, hyperglycemia, weight gain.
Urinary tract: polyuria, polydipsia, renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, kidney interstitial fibrosis (after long-term treatment).
Skin and subcutaneous tissue: skin rash, acne-like rash, folliculitis, exacerbation of psoriasis, allergic rash, alopecia, acne, itching.
Other disorders: blurred vision, weakness, swelling, fatigue, thirst, malaise and fatigue (these abnormalities may be associated with lithium intoxication).
Lithobid specific guidance
Elderly patients require a lower dose (in most cases). This category of patients is most susceptible to the toxic effects of lithium. Thorough medical examination during long-term therapy reduces the risk of toxic effects.
It is extremely important to drink enough water during treatment (2.5 to 3 l).
Patients may suffer from depression or mania, especially at the beginning of the course.
It should be borne in mind that Lithobid increases the risk of convulsive states in patients with epilepsy. Therefore, combined use with neuroleptics is not recommended (high risk of encephalopathy syndrome). The main symptoms of encephalopathy syndrome: weakness, fever, tremors, confusion, extrapyramidal symptoms, leukocytosis, etc.
Combined use with antipsychotic drugs is unacceptable.
Long-term use may be associated with loss of renal concentrating ability, which promotes the development of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in combination with polyuria and polydipsia. This category of patients should carefully monitor renal function. Typically, these changes disappear after discontinuation of Lithobid.
Lithium carbonate reduces the effect of norepinephrine, as well as the effect of fludrocortisones. The drug increases the neurotoxic effects of haloperidol.
Lithobid reduces the antidiuretic effect of carbamazepine, desmopressin.
Aminophylline, caffeine, dyphylline, theophylline may reduce the pharmacological action of Lithobid.
Lithium carbonate is incompatible with ethanol-containing beverages.