side effects at therapeutic concentrations
Last reviewed 01/2018
Common side effects include hand tremor, muscular weakness, nausea, polydipsia, polyuria, weight gain and oedema.
These are not usually dangerous, but may indicate the beginning of the toxic syndrome.
- tremor is very common.
- thyroid enlargement, hypothyroidism, ECG changes and EEG changes, nephrogenic diabetes-insipidus and depletion of calcium from bone may also take place. Long-term lithium treatment is associated with persistent hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcaemia (1).
- patient may complain of a metallic taste in the mouth during lithium treatment.
- skin rashes may occur.
Reference:
- Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin 1999; 37 (3): 22-24.