Certain lithium compounds, also known as lithium salts, are used as psychiatric medication, primarily for bipolar disorder and for major depressive disorder.
Facts
Mechanism of ActionExact biochemical mechanism unknown; acts at the level of G-proteins, PIP2 and other second messenger systems, affecting serotonin, dopamine and glutamate signaling. 1 Approved UseTreats bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. 1 First Approved / Isolated Year Significant RiskIncreased urination, hand tremor and thirst; serious risks include hypothyroidism, diabetes insipidus, lithium toxicity and kidney damage; teratogenic at high doses in pregnancy. 1 Classification
Approval Status ATC ClassSourced to the subject's own account Route of Administration WHO Essential Medicine Connections
Treats
Source Lithium (medication) (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Lithium (medication) (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead section
primarily for bipolar disorder and for major depressive disorder
Infobox, drug class
Mood stabilizer
Pharmacology section
operates at the level of G-proteins, PIP2, and other second messenger systems
History section
1970 (by the FDA for bipolar disorder treatment)
Adverse effects section
increased urination, shakiness of the hands, and increased thirst
Lead section, route-of-administration statement
Lithium is taken orally (by mouth).
- Regulatory approval status
- WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, core list
View the Source 2. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFirst-level anatomical group codes, Code NQuote, First-level anatomical group codes, Code N
Nervous system
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people taking lithium need regular blood tests?
Toxic effects can occur close to therapeutic levels, so close monitoring is needed.
As a result of lithium's narrow therapeutic index, toxic effects can occur at serum concentrations close to therapeutic levels, necessitating close monitoring during treatment. Levels above 1.5 mmol/L are considered toxic. This record describes what the sources state and is not medical advice.
Who discovered lithium as a treatment for mania, and when was it approved?
John Cade published the findings in 1949; the FDA approved it for mania in 1970.
In 1949, John Cade published his findings in the Medical Journal of Australia in a paper entitled 'Lithium salts in the treatment of psychotic excitement'. The application of lithium in manic illness was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1970.
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