Lithium Pharmacology

Lithium is a drug that has a ton of clinical pearls.  On this episode, I talk about the pharmacology, side effects, drug interactions, and critical practice pearls. Kidney function is very important to monitor in our patients taking lithium.  Lithium can accumulate in renal impairment. Thyroid function can be altered by lithium.  Be sure to regularly monitor TSH in a patient on chronic lithium. Over-the-counter NSAID can interact and raise lithium levels.  This is something you need to watch out for as patients can begin taking these medications on their own without supervision. Be sure to assess lithium levels.  Signs of toxicity can include GI upset, tremor, motor movement issues, sedation, and CNS changes.