Before using
WARNING: It is very important to have the right amount of
lithium in your body because too much of it may lead to
unwanted effects such as nausea, diarrhea, shaking of the
hands, dizziness, twitching, seizures, slurred speech,
confusion, or increased urination. Notify your doctor if these
effects occur. The difference between the correct amount of
lithium and too much, is small. Therefore, it is important you
be monitored closely. Some medicines or medical conditions may
interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST
of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are
taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking
astemizole, cisapride, or terfenadine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING
OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking
"water pills" (diuretics), ACE inhibitors, carbamazepine,
fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, risperidone,
macrolide antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
theophylline, urea, urinary alkalinizers, or medicine for
behavioral, emotional, or mood changes. Inform your doctor of
any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or
breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have
any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your
doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food or milk. DRINKING EXTRA
FLUIDS (8 to 12 glasses of water or other liquid) while you
are taking this medicine is recommended. Check with your
doctor or nurse for instructions. DO NOT CHANGE THE AMOUNT OF
SALT in your diet unless your doctor tells you to do so. STORE
THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, in a tightly-closed
container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF
THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to
your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
SEVERAL DAYS TO WEEKS may pass before you feel the full
benefit of this medicine. Do not stop taking this medicine
without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND
LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine.
USING THIS MEDICINE ALONE, WITH OTHER MEDICINES, OR WITH
ALCOHOL may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other
potentially dangerous tasks. Do not drive, operate machinery,
or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how
you react to this medicine. AVOID LARGE AMOUNTS OF
caffeine-containing foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea,
cocoa, cola drinks, and chocolate. Avoid excessive sweating
caused by hot weather, hot baths, saunas, or exercising.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription
or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
This includes medicines that contain ibuprofen or naproxen.
FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the
human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with
your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine
during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO
NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
