What Is The Dosage Of Lithosun SR?
He initially put on weigtht upto 80Kgs. during the first three years and now after controlling his diet he has come down to 65Kgs.
He is 5'8" tall.
For excercise I tell him to wipe the floor 20ftx10ft area every morning, (in the sitting position).
He is becoming as slow as taking 2hrs to finish the above excercise.
He is very methodical about doing what ever he is asked to do unmindful of the elapsed time. Can't do multitask slow to grasp instructions, (he is now 52).
Does the need for Lithosun decrease with age advance ?
Needs detailed evaluation
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for writing in.
The dose of Lithium required does reduce as age advances. Older persons require lesser dose than younger persons. This is because of the physiological changes that take place as age increases and this results in reduced excretion or clearance of Lithium from the body. Howevet, it is important to understand that the course of the illnrss does not get better with age.
The only effective way to check whether the dose of Lithium is appropriate or not is by periodically monitoring serum Lithium level in the body.
The slowness in activity can be due to various reasons. One could be the side effects of Lithium such as reduced attention and concentration. Another reason could be the side effects of Rispond such as extrapyramidal symptoms. Sometimes prolonged use of Lithium can result in Hypothyroidism, which can present with slowness and lethargy.
So, I would suggest that you take your brother for a review wher a detailed physical annd mental state examination, serum Lithium level and Thyroid function tests have to be done.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist