Lithium overdose

Definition

Lithium overdose is poisoning from taking too much of the drug lithium.

Alternative Names

Poisonous Ingredient

Lithium, a drug commonly used to treat bipolar disorder.

Where Found

• Cibalith
• Carbolith
• Duralith
• Eskalith
• Lithane
• Lithobid
• Lithonate

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Breathing difficulties
• Coma
• Concentration difficulties
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Increased thirst
• Increased urine output
• Low blood pressure
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle twitching
• Rash
• Seizures
• Sluggishness
• Slurred speech
• Stupor (lack of alertness)
• Tremors
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Uncoordinated movement

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed
• Whether the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

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 U.S. 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.

Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

The patient may receive:

• Medicines to treat symptoms
• Blood tests to measure and monitor lithium levels 
• Medicines to make the person throw up (vomiting)
• Kidney dialysis

Expectations (prognosis)

How well a patient does depends on the amount of lithium in the blood. The more quickly treatment is received, the better the chances of recovery. People can die from a lithium overdose.