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Question

What are the long-term effects of taking lithium. I am particularly concerned about cancer.

Answer

Lithium side effects are closely related to the levels of the drug in the blood, and these levels must be tested regularly.

If the levels are within normal limits, the drug can cause fatigue and muscular weakness. Side effects that occur at the beginning of treatment, and later disappear, are trembling hands, increased thirst and urination, and nausea.

At unacceptably high levels many unwanted reactions can occur. I'll only mention the most common; trembling and twitching of muscles, blackouts, dizziness, sleepiness, incontinence, low blood pressure, nausea, diarrhoea, dry and thin hair, blurred vision, and a raised white cell count. Other side effects that are uncommon, and not related to the drug's level in the blood, are ECG changes, leg ulcers, headache, itching and taste changes.

Long-term use does not result in any changes other than the side-effects listed.

There is no evidence that taking lithium can cause cancer of any type.

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