What sort of side-effects might occur if I am taking lithium?
The table below will show you some of the main side effects you might get from lithium.
|
Side effect |
What happens |
What to do about it |
|
COMMON (more than about 1 in 10 people might get these) |
||
|
Tremor |
Fine shaking of the hands |
This is not dangerous but can be irritating. If it annoys you, your doctor may be able to give you something for it (e.g. propranolol). If it gets worse and spreads to the legs or jaw, stop taking the lithium and see your doctor straight away. |
|
Stomach upset |
This includes feeling and being sick and getting diarrhoea |
If mild, see your pharmacist. If it lasts for more than a day, see your doctor. |
|
Polyuria |
Passing a lot of urine. |
Don't drink too much alcohol. Tell your doctor about it. Some blood and urine tests may be needed. |
|
Metallic taste |
Your mouth tastes as if has had metal or something bitter in it. |
This should wear off after a few weeks. If it does not, mention this to your doctor next time you meet. A change in dose may help. |
|
Polydipsia |
Feeling very thirsty. Your mouth is dry and there may be a metallic taste. |
Drink water or low calorie drinks in moderation. Suck sugar-free boiled sweets. |
|
UNCOMMON (less than about 1 in 10 people might get these) |
||
|
Weight gain and fluid retention (oedema) |
Puffy legs, eating and drinking more and putting on weight. |
A diet full of vegetables, cereal and fruit may help prevent weight gain. Seek help from a dietician. See the separate section below and Click here to see a section on helping you to feel less hungry. |
|
Hypothyroidism |
Low thyroid activity - this makes you feel tired. |
This is generally mild and fairly easily treated, although if your thyroid gets very low this can be serious. Tell your doctor - you may need thyroid replacement tablets. |
|
RARE (less than about 1 in 100 people might get these) |
||
|
Skin rashes |
Blotches seen anywhere. |
Contact your doctor straight away. |
|
OTHER |
||
|
Blurred vision |
Things look fuzzy and you can't focus properly. |
If this is not expected, unusual or worse than usual, your lithium level may be too high. Do not take any more doses of lithium and talk to your doctor straight away.
|
|
Sleepiness |
Feeling extra sleepy, drowsy or sluggish in the daytime. |
|
|
Confusion |
Your mind is all mixed up. |
|
|
Palpitations |
A fast heart beat. |
|
Do not be worried by this list of side effects. Some people get no side effects at all and others may get some effects that are not listed in this table. Side effects tend to be worse with higher doses. Starting with a lower dose sometimes helps. If you think you might have a side effect to your medicine, you should discuss this with your doctor, nurse of pharmacist. You should also see the manufacturer's information leaflet.
Updated 1.12