What are the side effects of lithium carbonate?
Feb 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, lithium carbonate refers to lithium carbonate tablets, a medication used to treat diseases such as mania and bipolar disorder. Its possible side effects include neurological reactions, hypothyroidism, renal function impairment, cardiovascular system reactions, and skin reactions. In daily life, patients taking lithium carbonate should strictly follow medical instructions for medication use and must not adjust the dosage on their own.
Generally, lithium carbonate refers to lithium carbonate tablets, a medication used to treat diseases such as mania and bipolar disorder. Its possible side effects include nervous system reactions, hypothyroidism, kidney function impairment, cardiovascular system reactions, and skin reactions. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Nervous System Reactions
Lithium carbonate tablets can affect the electrolyte balance of the nervous system and the release of neurotransmitters, interfering with the conduction of nerve impulses, thereby causing dysfunction of the nervous system. This may manifest as hand tremors, ataxia, drowsiness, and other symptoms.
2. Hypothyroidism
Long-term use of lithium carbonate tablets may inhibit the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones, leading to hypothyroidism. Reduced secretion of thyroid hormones can affect the body's metabolic function, and patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. Regular monitoring of thyroid function is necessary.
3. Kidney Function Impairment
Lithium carbonate tablets are primarily excreted through the kidneys, and long-term use may have toxic effects on the kidneys, affecting the function of renal tubules and leading to kidney damage. Patients may experience symptoms such as polyuria and thirst, and severe cases may progress to kidney failure; therefore, regular kidney function tests are necessary.
4. Cardiovascular System Reactions
Lithium carbonate tablets can affect ion channels in myocardial cells, causing abnormal myocardial electrophysiological activity, which may lead to adverse reactions in the cardiovascular system. Some patients may experience arrhythmias, electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, and other cardiovascular reactions after taking lithium carbonate tablets.
5. Skin Reactions
Lithium carbonate tablets may affect skin metabolism and endocrine function, leading to abnormal sebum secretion or impaired follicular function, which can result in skin problems. A few patients may develop acne, hair loss, and other skin reactions.
In daily life, patients taking lithium carbonate should strictly follow medical instructions regarding medication dosage and should not adjust the dose on their own. Regular tests, including blood drug concentration, thyroid function, and kidney function, should also be conducted.
