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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2003 >> Lithium question
        
(Message started by: Prense on Aug 2^nd, 2003, 1:08pm)

Title: Lithium question
Post by Prense on Aug 2^nd, 2003, 1:08pm

I am not on lithium, but might be on it some time soon...

I read on RXLIST (I think) that caffeine should be avoided while on this med. Did I read about the wrong med? Anyone able to confirm this??? Cause that would REALLY suck.

Thanks in advance!
Chris

Title: Re: Lithium question
Post by forgetfulnot on Aug 2^nd, 2003, 1:32pm

I have been on lithium for over 10 years, drink coffee every day, 3-4 cups or so, this link doesn't mention anything about coffee and is fairly inclusive. ???

http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/p30-l02.html#Head_4

Lee

Title: Re: Lithium question
Post by Prense on Aug 2^nd, 2003, 6:10pm

I did a search on the page for caffeine and notta so.......

SAWEEEET!!!

;D

Title: Re: Lithium question
Post by forgetfulnot on Aug 2^nd, 2003, 6:35pm

This is all I read, coffee not listed

Contraindications
Patients with severe cardiovascular or renal disease and those with evidence of severe debilitation or dehydration, sodium depletion, brain damage. Conditions requiring low sodium intake.

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Precautions
Lithium therapy requires reaching plasma concentrations of lithium which are relatively close to the toxic concentration. Lithium is excreted primarily by the kidney; adequate renal function and adequate salt and fluid intake are essential in order to avoid lithium accumulation and intoxication. Thus, a decision to initiate lithium therapy should be preceded by a thorough clinical examination and evaluation of each patient, including laboratory determinations, ECG, and a very careful assessment of renal function. When sodium intake is lowered, lithium excretion is reduced. Diminished intake or excessive loss of salt and fluids, as a result of vomiting, diarrhea, perspiration or use of diuretics will also increase lithium retention. Thus, lithium should not be given to patients on a salt-free diet and sodium depletion must be carefully avoided. Therefore, it is essential for the patient to maintain a normal diet including adequate salt and fluid intake during lithium therapy. Salt supplements and additional fluids may be required if excessive losses occur. If diuretics are used during lithium therapy the serum lithium concentration must be closely monitored.

Drug Interactions:
Thiazide diuretics, furosemide, spironolactone, methyldopa, indomethacin, phenylbutazone and piroxicam can increase lithium concentrations. Acetazolamide, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, theophylline and mannitol can decrease lithium concentrations. Neurotoxicity may be increased by concomitant use of haloperidol, phenothiazines, carbamazepine or phenytoin.

Didn't have time to read the hole damned deal ::)

Lee

Title: Re: Lithium question
Post by Karla on Aug 3^rd, 2003, 4:09pm

My dr never told me to avoid cafein and neither did my pharmacist when I was on lithium. I wouldn't worry about it to much.

Title: Re: Lithium question
Post by vig on Aug 4^th, 2003, 4:14pm

Neuro gave me prescriptions for Depakote and Lithium today and told me to drink 3 caffeinated beverages a day.

He also gave me 20mg Imitrex nasal sprays because he said the 5 mg dose is too small and doesn't work.??!

also, are there any non-Abbott Depakote alternatives?

Title: Re: Lithium question
Post by Karla on Aug 4^th, 2003, 7:12pm

I have had 5mg abort a ha before. When it doesn't in 20 min. I just take a second 5 mg and then it is aborted for sure. I find the 20mg works also but there is so much more nasal dranage with it. Yuk!

Title: Re: Lithium question
Post by jonny on Aug 5^th, 2003, 4:51pm

Dont pound down the water and dont reduce your salt intake and you'll be fine.

.................................jonny