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Today, 22 November 2009

› SACP attacks Malema

› Meteor 'flash' in Gauteng

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› Malema attack 'racist'

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Yesterday, 21 November 2009

› SACP attacks Malema

› Match-fixing stuns Europe

› JZ hails Miss World effect

› Henry offers replay

› No armchair ride for Boks

Question

Please could I have some information on the drug Lithium.

Answer

Lithium is a mood stabiliser which also has antidepressant and anti-emetic effects. It is mainly used in so-called bipolar affective disorder, the lay term for which is manic depression. In this it is used prohpylactically to reduce the manic and to some extent the depressive relapses. It is of less use in treating the acute manic phase of the illness and is of little use in treating depression alone.

It is not a drug to be prescribed or taken lightly, as it has a number of side effects. Its use in bipolar disorders is under constant review and the dose should be the lowest possible to achieve the most benefit with the least adverse effects.

Side effects include staggering gait, lethargy, weakness, drowsiness, thirst, and stomach upsets. Some patients suffer with weight gain and water retention. The drug should be used with extreme caution in heart disease, kidney disease and diseases such as epilepsy.

Any patient on lithium must have blood levels monitored regularly. Weekly monitoring is recommended during the first month of therapy and then monthly for the first 6 months and then every 8 to 12 weeks. If possible thyroid function should be checked every year and kidney function checked regularly, particularly in the elderly.

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