ESKALITH

Drug Name: ESKALITH

ESKALITH DESCRIPTION:
LITHIUM - ORAL (LITH-ee-um)

COMMON ESKALITH BRAND NAME(S):
Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate, Lithotabs

ESKALITH SIDE EFFECTS:
May cause drowsiness, tiredness, increased thirst, increased frequency of urination, weight gain, and trembling of the hands. These should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: diarrhea, vomiting, fever, unsteady walking, fainting, confusion, slurred speech, rapid heart rate, severe trembling of the hands. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ESKALITH:
ESKALITH: Take with food or milk or immediately after meals to prevent stomach upset. ESKALITH works best if the amount of the drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Drink 8-12 glasses of water or other fluid each day and maintain a regular diet while taking ESKALITH. Do not change the amount of salt in your diet unless your doctor tells you to do so. ESKALITH must be taken as prescribed. Do not stop taking ESKALITH suddenly without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may worsen if the medication is suddenly stopped.

ESKALITH WARNING:
It is very important to have the right amount of lithium in your body because too much of it may lead to unwanted effects such as nausea, diarrhea, shaking of the hands, dizziness, twitching, seizures, slurred speech, confusion, or increased urination. The difference between the correct amount of lithium and too much, is small. Therefore, it is important you be monitored closely.

ESKALITH USES:
ESKALITH is used to treat manic-depressive disorder (bipolar disorder). It works to stabilize the mood and reduces extremes in behavior.

ESKALITH PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your entire medical history especially if you have: leukemia, heart disease, kidney disease or other urinary problems, epilepsy, parkinsonism, severe dehydration (symptoms include strong and persistent thirst), infections accompanied with high fever, any allergies. ESKALITH may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. ESKALITH is not recommended for use during pregnancy especially during the first three months. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor. Lithium is excreted into breast milk. In most cases, breast-feeding is not recommended while using ESKALITH. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

ESKALITH DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you are taking including: anti- inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Motrin), SSRI antidepressants, water pills. Maintain a normal diet with an average consumption of sodium. Avoid products that contain sodium (like sodium bicarbonate, an ingredient in certain antacids). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ESKALITH OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include diarrhea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, lack of coordination, unusual drowsiness, seizures, tremor, and loss of consciousness.

ESKALITH NOTES:
It may take several weeks before the full effects of ESKALITH are noted. Your doctor may perform lab tests periodically during treatment with ESKALITH to check how it is working. Do not change brands of ESKALITH without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Not all brands are identical.

MISSED ESKALITH DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered unless the next scheduled dose is within 2 hours (or 6 hours for slow-release forms). If so, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

ESKALITH STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms.