Is lithium a sedating?

Is lithium a sedating?

Lithium has been reported to cause sedation in about 1 in 16 to 1 in 27 patients, depending on the study. With most second-generation antipsychotics, this rate is closer to 1 in 5 patients.

Can lithium make you faint?

Lithium can cause nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, change in heart rhythm, muscle weakness, fatigue, and a dazed feeling. These unwanted side effects often improve with continued use.

Is lethargy a symptom of lithium toxicity?

The severity of lithium toxicity is often divided into the following three grades: mild, moderate, and severe. Mild symptoms: nausea, vomiting, lethargy, tremor, and fatigue (Serum lithium concentration between 1.5-2.5 mEq/L)[33] [34].

Does lithium make you feel flat?

About 1 person in 10 to 15 gets dull, flat, and “blah” (the “lithium made me a zombie” effect, overrepresented in online testimonials). I explain to my patients in advance that if this happens, we’ll give up on it. This adverse effect does not diminish with time and generally persists even if the dose is reduced.

Does lithium make you sleep a lot?

Lithium may affect your mental alertness or make you drowsy. Do not drive until you know how lithium will affect you.

How do you know lithium is working?

It usually takes several weeks for lithium to begin working. Your doctor will order periodic blood tests during your treatment, because lithium can affect kidney or thyroid function. Lithium works best if the amount of the drug in your body is kept at a constant level.

What are symptoms of low lithium levels?

Others may be more sensitive to lower doses. A safe blood level of lithium is 0.6 and 1.2 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L)….Side effects in lower doses

• frequent urination.
• thirst.
• hand tremors.
• dry mouth.
• weight gain or loss.
• gas or indigestion.
• restlessness.
• constipation.