Brand name:
LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs)
Pronounced: ESS-kuh-lith
Generic name: Lithium carbonate
Other brand names: LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane,
Lithonate, Lithotabs) CR Lithobid
Why is LICAB prescribed?
LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs) is used to treat the manic episodes of manic-depressive illness,
a condition in which a person's mood swings from depression to excessive
excitement. A manic episode may involve some or all of the following
symptoms:
Aggressiveness
Elation
Fast, urgent talking
Frenetic physical activity
Grandiose, unrealistic ideas
Hostility
Little need for sleep
Poor judgment
Once the mania subsides, LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs) treatment may be continued over
the long term, at a somewhat lower dosage, to prevent or reduce the
intensity of future manic episodes.
Some doctors also prescribe lithium for premenstrual tension, eating
disorders such as bulimia, certain movement disorders, and sexual addictions.
Most important fact about LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs)
If the LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs) dosage is too low, you will derive no benefit; if
it is too high, you could suffer lithium poisoning. You and your doctor
will need to work together to find the correct dosage. Initially, this
means frequent blood tests to find out how much of the drug is actually
circulating in your bloodstream. As long as you take LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs), you
will need to watch for side effects. Signs of lithium poisoning include
vomiting, unsteady walking, diarrhea, drowsiness, tremor, and weakness.
Stop taking the drug and call your doctor if you have any of these
symptoms.
How should you take LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs)?
To avoid stomach upset, take LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs) immediately after meals or with
food or milk.
Do not change from one brand of lithium to another without consulting
your doctor or pharmacist. Take the drug exactly as prescribed.
While taking LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs), you should drink 10 to 12 glasses of water
or fluid a day. To minimize the risk of harmful side effects, eat a
balanced diet that includes some salt and lots of liquids. If you have
been sweating a great deal or have had diarrhea, make sure you get
extra liquids and salt.
If you develop an infection with a fever, you may need to cut back
on your LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs) dosage or even quit taking it temporarily. While you
are ill, keep in close touch with your doctor.
Long-acting forms of lithium, such as LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs) CR or Lithobid, should
be swallowed whole. Do not chew, crush, or break.
If you miss a dose...
Ask your doctor what to do; requirements vary for each individual.
Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs) side effects
The possibility of side effects varies with the level of lithium in
your bloodstream. If you experience unfamiliar symptoms of any kind,
inform your doctor as soon as possible.
* Side effects that may occur when you start taking lithium include:
Discomfort, frequent urination, hand tremor, mild thirst, nausea * Other side
effects may include: Diarrhea, drowsiness, lack of coordination, muscle weakness,
vomiting
Why should LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs) not be prescribed?
Although your doctor will be cautious under certain conditions, lithium
may be prescribed for anyone.
Special warnings about LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs)
LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs) may affect your judgment or coordination. Do not drive, climb,
or perform hazardous tasks until you find out how LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs) affects
you.
Your doctor will prescribe LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs) with extra caution if you have
a heart or kidney problem, brain or spinal cord disease, or a weak,
run-down, or dehydrated condition.
Also make sure your doctor is aware of any medical problems you may
have, including diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid problems, Parkinson's disease,
and difficulty urinating.
You should be careful in hot weather to avoid activities that cause
you to sweat heavily. Also avoid drinking large amounts of coffee,
tea, or cola, which can cause dehydration through increased urination.
Do not make a major change in your eating habits or go on a weight
loss diet without consulting your doctor. The loss of water and salt
from your body could lead to lithium poisoning.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs)
If LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs) with the following:
ACE-inhibitor blood pressure drugs such as Capoten or Vasotec
Acetazolamide (Diamox)
Amphetamines such as Dexedrine
Antidepressant drugs that boost serotonin levels, including Paxil,
Prozac, and Zoloft
Antipsychotic drugs such as Haldol and chlorpromazine
Bicarbonate of soda
Caffeine (No-Doz)
Calcium-blocking blood pressure drugs such as Calan and Cardizem
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Diuretics such as Lasix or HydroDIURIL
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Iodine-containing preparations such as potassium iodide (Quadrinal)
Methyldopa (Aldomet)
Metronidazole (Flagyl)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Celebrex, Feldene,
and Indocin
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Sodium bicarbonate
Tetracyclines such as Achromycin V and Sumycin
Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Quibron, others)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The use of LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs) during pregnancy can harm the developing baby.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately.
LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs) appears in breast milk and is considered potentially harmful
to a nursing infant. If LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs) is essential to your health, your
doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding while you are taking
it.
Recommended dosage for LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs)
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect symptoms of an overdose of LICAB (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs), seek medical attention
immediately.
