Lithium and Bipolar Manic Depression

The National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) indicates that Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a serious medical illness that causes shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. While everyone goes through ups and downs, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. More about Bipolar Disorder »

According to Dr Wes Burgess in his book, The Bipolar Handbook: Real-Life Questions with Up-to-Date Answers,
Penguin 2006:

"It is estimated that 2 to 7% of people in the United States suffer from bipolar disorder. Almost 10 million people will develop the illness sometimes during their lives. About half of these will never receive the correct diagnosis or treatment. (Bipolar-Lives.com)

Bipolar mania is often treated with lithium

Lithium is used to treat the manic episodes of manic depression. Manic symptoms include: hyperactivity, rushed speech, poor judgment, reduced need for sleep, aggression, and anger.
Read more: http://www.drugs.com/lithium.html#ixzz0rczwnORBPros of using Lithium for depression. Lithium is also used in conjunction with other drugs to regulate depression in other mental health disorders such as schizophrenia and dysthymia (a type of depression that is cyclical but lasts for years).

Lithium affects the way salt is absorbed in the blood stream. This results in a reduction of the excitement or mania of the depression disorder. Lithium use along with psychotherapy can provide a depressed or manic person with a relatively normal life, provided the medication is taken carefully as directed.

The Surgeon General Report on suicide prevention states "A number of long-term follow-up studies of individuals with bipolar disorder found that those who remain on lithium maintenance treatment have a lower risk of suicide than individuals who do not remain in treatment or are non-responsive to lithium (Jamison, 2000).

Cons of using Lithium for depression and bipolar disorder

Lithium can cause side effects that impair thinking. Be careful driving or operating heavy equipment, or making major decisions, as alertness and judgment may be impaired.

Since lithium regulates the way a body uses salt, being dehydrated or drinking too much can trigger side effects. Mothers that are pregnant should not take lithium as the medicine can cause harm to a fetus. Children under age 12 should also not take lithium as it can trigger suicidal thoughts. Lithium when mixed with other drugs can be very dangerous. Common medications that will cause problems when combined with Lithium include Celbrex, Alka-Seltzer, Aleve, Motrin, Advil, Vitamins, Herbs and many other products. Always consult your physician when adding or changing medications while taking lithium.

Warnings:

Children experience the same safety problems with lithium as do adults: toxicity and impairment of renal and thyroid functioning (Geller & Luby, 1997). Lithium is therefore not recommended for families unable to keep regular appointments that would ensure monitoring of serum lithium levels and of adverse events. Patients who discontinue taking the drug have a high relapse rate (Strober et al., 1990).

The information contained within this document is a summary and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for specific information pertaining to your personal medical situation.

Sources:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=hssurggen∂=A4921#A4933

NIMH, More about Bipolar Disorder »

Surgeon General Report on suicide prevention