General information

Eskalith is used to treat manic-depressive disorder (bipolar disorder). It works to stabilize the mood and reduce extremes in behavior by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain. Eskalith is not a cure for bipolar disorder. It only helps to control symptoms.

Directions

Take Eskalith exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication by mouth, usually 3-4 times daily. Take lithium with or immediately after meals to lessen stomach upset. Drink 8 to 12 glasses of water or other fluid each day, and maintain a healthy diet with normal amounts of salt (sodium). Take it at the same times each day. The recommended starting dose is 600 mg three times daily.

Precautions

Before taking Eskalith you should talk with your doctor if you have heart disease, kidney disease, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), skin disorder (psoriasis), Parkinson’s disease, leukemia, if you are dehydrated or have low levels of sodium in your blood (hyponatremia), if you are allergic to lithium. Drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication.

Contraindications

You should not use Eskalith if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not recommended in children under 12 years of age.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have drowsiness, tiredness, increased thirst, increased frequency of urination, weight gain, and tremor, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, dizziness, unsteady walk, confusion, slurred speech, blurred vision, fainting, vision changes, irregular heartbeat, joint pain, rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, throat, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: acetazolamide, ACE inhibitors (captopril, enalapril, lisinopril), angiotensin receptor blockers (losartan, valsartan), bulk-producing laxatives (psyllium), calcitonin, calcium channel blockers (verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine), desmopressin, other drugs for mental or mood conditions (chlorpromazine, haloperidol, thiothixene), methyldopa, metronidazole, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (celecoxib, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen, piroxicam), anti-seizure drugs (carbamazepine, phenytoin), SSRI antidepressants (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine), theophylline, tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline), diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don’t take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, trouble walking, unusual drowsiness, seizures, shaking, loss of consciousness.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Precautions

Before taking Eskalith you should talk with your doctor if you have heart disease, kidney disease, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), skin disorder (psoriasis), Parkinson’s disease, leukemia, if you are dehydrated or have low levels of sodium in your blood (hyponatremia), if you are allergic to lithium. Drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have drowsiness, tiredness, increased thirst, increased frequency of urination, weight gain, and tremor, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, dizziness, unsteady walk, confusion, slurred speech, blurred vision, fainting, vision changes, irregular heartbeat, joint pain, rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, throat, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.