Your family doctor must check your progress at regular appointments to make sure that the drug is help you and that possible side effects are avoided. Laboratory tests may be necessary.
Lithium may not work properly if you drink large amounts of caffeine-containing coffee, tea, or colas.
This drug may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally Make sure you know how you react to this drug before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert .
Use extra care in hot weather and during activities that cause you to sweat heavily, such as hot baths, saunas, or exercising . The loss of too much water and salt from your body could lead to serious side effects from this drug.
If you have an infection or illness that causes heavy sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea , check with your family doctor. The loss of too much water and salt from your body could lead to serious side effects from lithium.
Do not go on a diet to lose weight and do not make a major change in your diet without first checking with your family doctor . Improper dieting could cause the loss of too much water and salt from your body and could lead to serious side effects from this drug.
For diseaseds taking the slow-release capsules or the extended-release tablets :
It is important that you and your family know the early symptoms of lithium overdose or toxicity and when to call the family doctor .