• Introduction & Key Points
• Indications for Lithium
• Dosage and administration
• Averse effects of lithium
• Pharmacokinetics and serum concerntrations
• Baseline tests and monitoring
• Drug interactions
• Continuation and maintenance treatment
• Cautions and contraindications to lithium treatment
• Cases
• References
• Issue 3 Contents

References

1. Australian and New Zealand clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Aust NZ J Psychiatry 2004;38:280-305.
2. Australian and New Zealand clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of depression. Aust NZ J Psychiatry 2004;38:389-407.
3. Plenge P, et al. Lithium treatment: does the kidney prefer one daily dose or two? Acta Psychiatr Scand 1982;66:121-8.
4. Gitlin M. Lithium and the kidney: an updated review. Drug Safety 1999;20:231-243.
5. Henry C. Lithium side-effects and predictors of hypothyroidism in patients with bipolar disorder: sex differences. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2002;27:104-7.
6. Livingstone C, Rampes H. Lithium: a review of its metabolic adverse effects. J Psychopharmacol 2006;20:347-55.
7. Bendz H, Aurell M. Drug induced diabetes insipidus: incidence, prevention and management. Drug Safety 1999;21:449-456.
8. NHS. Guidelines for the management of patients on lithium. 2001.
9. Waitemata District Health Board. Lithium best practice guidelines. Medicines and Administration Manual. 2006.
10. Baxter K (Ed), Stockley’s Drug Interactions. London: Pharmaceutical Press. Electronic version (2006).