Brand name:
LITHOSUN (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs)
Pronounced: ESS-kuh-lith
Generic name: Lithium carbonate

Other brand names: LITHOSUN (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs) CR Lithobid
Why is LICAB prescribed?

LITHOSUN (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, LITHOSUN (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 LITHOSUN (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs)

If the LITHOSUN (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 LITHOSUN (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 LITHOSUN (Cibalith-S, Eskalith, Lithium, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs)?

To avoid stomach upset, take LITHOSUN (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 LITHOSUN (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 LITHOSUN (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 LITHOSUN (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.
LITHOSUN (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 LITHOSUN (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.