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Does Lithium Taken For Bipolar Disorder Lose It's Effectiveness Over Time?
Question: I was wondering if lithium taken for bipolar disorder can lose it's effectiveness over time? My husband has been taking the same dosage for at least 30 years. Also, are there any cognitive disorders resulting from long term use of lithium?
Brief Answer:
Yes,Lithium can cause cognitive disorders
Detailed Answer:
Hello Madam!
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.
Lithium bicarbonate is considered the most effective long-term treatment for bipolar disorder.
The mechanism of action is still not totally understood but it is thought to help strengthen nerve cell connections in brain regions that are involved in regulating mood, thinking and behavior.
Lithium calms both depression and mania and reduces the risk of suicide.
The effectiveness of Lithium is not diminished over time.It has the same effect during in long term treatments.
In order to be fully effective,it is important that the level of Lithium in your body is kept constant (not too low or too high).So when you are taking lithium, you’ll need to make sure you don’t miss or skip a dose.
Salt and fluid can affect the levels of lithium in your blood, so it's important to consume a steady amount every day.You should drink 8-10 glasses of fluid a day during treatment and use a normal amount of salt in your food to achieve the maximal effect of Lithium.
There are several adverse effects associated with long-term use of lithium and regular patient monitoring is required .
It affects the function of kidneys,thyroid gland,parathyroid glands.
This drug might cause some cognitive disorders.
Hope my answer has helped.
If you have any additional question,please feel free to write me,I will be happy to help.
Best Regards.
Dr.Rovena Murati
Yes,Lithium can cause cognitive disorders
Detailed Answer:
Hello Madam!
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.
Lithium bicarbonate is considered the most effective long-term treatment for bipolar disorder.
The mechanism of action is still not totally understood but it is thought to help strengthen nerve cell connections in brain regions that are involved in regulating mood, thinking and behavior.
Lithium calms both depression and mania and reduces the risk of suicide.
The effectiveness of Lithium is not diminished over time.It has the same effect during in long term treatments.
In order to be fully effective,it is important that the level of Lithium in your body is kept constant (not too low or too high).So when you are taking lithium, you’ll need to make sure you don’t miss or skip a dose.
Salt and fluid can affect the levels of lithium in your blood, so it's important to consume a steady amount every day.You should drink 8-10 glasses of fluid a day during treatment and use a normal amount of salt in your food to achieve the maximal effect of Lithium.
There are several adverse effects associated with long-term use of lithium and regular patient monitoring is required .
It affects the function of kidneys,thyroid gland,parathyroid glands.
This drug might cause some cognitive disorders.
Hope my answer has helped.
If you have any additional question,please feel free to write me,I will be happy to help.
Best Regards.
Dr.Rovena Murati
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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