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Lithium toxicity

Contents of this page:

Alternative Names   

Eskalith toxicity; Lithane toxicity; Lithobid toxicity; Lithonate toxicity; Lithotabs toxicity

Definition    Return to top

Lithium is a medication used to treat bipolar disorder (manic depression). This article focuses on lithium overdose, or toxicity.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

See: Overdose

Poisonous Ingredient    Return to top

Lithium, a soft metal

Where Found    Return to top

Lithium is sold under various brand names, including:

Note: Lithium is also commonly found in batteries, lubricants, high performance metal alloys, and soldering supplies. This article focuses only on the medication.

Symptoms    Return to top

ACUTE TOXICITY

After taking too much lithium you will have symptoms such as:

You may also have some of the following nervous system symptoms, depending on how much lithium you took:

Heart problems may occur in rare cases.

CHRONIC TOXICITY

You will likely not have any gastrointestinal symptoms. Symptoms that may occur include:

In severe cases, you may also have nervous system and kidney problems such as:

ACUTE ON CHRONIC TOXICITY

You will likely get some gastrointestinal symptoms and many of the severe nervous system symptoms listed above.

Before Calling Emergency    Return to top

Determine the following:

Poison Control    Return to top

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room    Return to top

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

If you have acute lithium toxicity, how well you do depends on how much lithium you took and how quickly you get help. Those who do not develop nervous system symptoms usually have no long-term complications.

If serious nervous system symptoms occur, you may have permanent neurologic problems.

Chronic toxicity is sometimes difficult to diagnose until late in the course. This delay can lead to long-term problems. If dialysis is performed quickly, you may feel much better, but symptoms such as memory and mood problems may be permanent.

Acute on chronic overdose often has the worst outlook. Nervous system symptoms may not go away even after many rounds of dialysis.

References    Return to top

Goldfrank LR, Flomenbaum NE, Lewin NA, et al. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies. 7th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2002.

Update Date: 2/6/2009

Updated by: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (1/25/2008).

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