Eskalith

Lithium works by affecting the balance of certain chemicals in the brain, particularly those involved in mood regulation. It is thought to modulate the activity of neurotransmitters and enhance the function of certain brain cells involved in mood regulation.

Eskalith is commonly prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for bipolar disorder, which may also include psychotherapy and other medications.

How to use

Here are some general guidelines for using Eskalith:

1. Swallow with water: Take tablets or capsules with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets unless instructed otherwise.
2. Take with food or milk: Eskalith can be taken with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset or gastrointestinal discomfort, taking it with food or milk may help alleviate these symptoms.
3. Maintain consistent intake: It's important to take Eskalith regularly and at the same times each day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body. This helps optimize its effectiveness.
4. Stay hydrated: It's important to stay well-hydrated while taking Eskalith. Drink an adequate amount of fluids. This helps maintain proper kidney function and minimize the risk of certain side effects.
5. Blood tests: Your healthcare professional may periodically monitor the level of lithium in your blood to ensure it remains within a therapeutic range. Follow their instructions for blood tests and laboratory monitoring.
6. Be patient: It may take several weeks for Lithium to reach its full effectiveness. Continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you start feeling better. Abruptly stopping Eskalith can lead to a relapse of symptoms.

Dosage

The dosage of Eskalith can vary depending on several factors, including the specific condition being treated, individual response to the medication, and other medical considerations. However, here are some general guidelines for dosing:

1. Starting dose: The typical starting dose for Eskalith in adults is usually 900 to 1,200 milligrams per day, divided into multiple doses. The total daily dose is usually split into two or three smaller doses taken with meals.
2. Maintenance dose: The maintenance dose generally falls within the range of 900 to 2,400 milligrams per day, divided into multiple doses.
3. Blood level monitoring: Regular blood tests will be conducted to measure the lithium levels in your blood. These tests help ensure that your lithium levels remain within the therapeutic range.
4. Elderly and renal impairment: Lower doses may be recommended for elderly individuals or those with impaired kidney function. This is because lithium is primarily eliminated by the kidneys, and reduced kidney function can affect lithium clearance from the body.

Side effects

Eskalith may cause certain side effects in some individuals. It's important to be aware of these potential side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Here are some common side effects:

1. Gastrointestinal effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort are common side effects. Taking Eskalith with food or milk may help alleviate these symptoms.
2. Increased thirst and increased urination: Lithium can cause increased thirst and more frequent urination. It is important to drink an adequate amount of fluids while taking Eskalith to stay well-hydrated.
3. Hand tremors: Some individuals may experience hand tremors or shaking. This side effect is often dose-dependent and may improve over time or with dose adjustments.
4. Weight gain: Weight gain may occur in some individuals taking Eskalith. It's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
5. Fatigue and drowsiness: Medicine can cause drowsiness and fatigue. It is advisable to avoid activities that require mental alertness until you know how the medication affects you.
6. Dry mouth and increased thirst: Eskalith may cause dry mouth. Regular oral hygiene practices and staying hydrated can help alleviate this side effect.
7. Skin reactions: In rare cases, Drug may cause skin reactions such as rash or acne. If you notice any skin changes or allergic reactions, seek medical attention.
8. Thyroid and kidney function: Antidepressant can affect thyroid and kidney function in some individuals. Regular monitoring of thyroid and kidney function may be necessary.
9. Other side effects: Less common side effects of Eskalith may include dizziness, headache, blurred vision, muscle weakness, and changes in appetite.

It's important to remember that these are not all the possible side effects of Eskalith. Some individuals may experience different or more severe side effects.

Storage

Here are some general guidelines for storing Eskalith:

1. Temperature: Store antidepressant at room temperature, typically between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F).
2. Protect from moisture: Keep Eskalith in its original tightly closed container to protect it from moisture. Avoid storing it in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms.
3. Keep away from light: Protect Eskalith from excessive light exposure by storing it in a dark or opaque container. Light can potentially degrade the medication.
4. Childproof container: Keep medicine in a childproof container and store it out of the reach of children. This helps prevent accidental ingestion.
5. Medication information: Keep the package insert or any additional medication information provided by the pharmacy. It may contain important instructions or precautions that you may need to refer to later.
6. Proper disposal: If you have any expired or unused Eskalith, it is important to dispose of it properly according to local regulations. Do not dispose of medications in the household trash or flush them down the toilet unless instructed to do so.

Always check the specific storage instructions on the medication label for any specific storage requirements for your particular Eskalith product. Following the recommended storage guidelines helps maintain the medication's stability and effectiveness while ensuring its safety for use.

Overdose

An overdose of Lithium can be serious and potentially life-threatening. If you suspect an overdose or have taken more Eskalith than prescribed, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention or contact your local poison control center. Here is some information regarding an overdose:

1. Signs and symptoms: Overdosing on Eskalith can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, drowsiness, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, confusion, seizures, blurred vision, slurred speech, increased urination, rapid heartbeat, and potentially more severe symptoms.
2. Contact emergency services: Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you believe you have overdosed on Eskalith. Time is of the essence in managing an overdose situation.
3. Medical treatment: In a healthcare setting, medical professionals will assess the severity of the overdose and provide appropriate treatment. This may include measures to stabilize vital signs, monitoring of lithium levels in the blood, administration of activated charcoal or other interventions to limit absorption, and supportive care.
4. Gastric lavage: In some cases, if the overdose is recent and the situation warrants it, gastric lavage (stomach pumping) may be performed to remove any unabsorbed Eskalith from the stomach.
5. Hemodialysis: In severe cases of overdose or if lithium levels in the blood are dangerously high, hemodialysis may be necessary. Hemodialysis is a procedure that uses a machine to filter the blood and remove excess lithium from the body.

Missed Doses

If you accidentally miss a dose of Eskalith, it is important to take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one. Here are some additional guidelines regarding missed doses:

1. Do not compensate with extra doses: Taking extra doses of Eskalith to compensate for missed doses can increase the risk of side effects and complications. Stick to your regular dosing schedule.
2. Set reminders: To help avoid missing doses in the future, consider setting reminders or alarms to ensure you take your medicine as prescribed. This can be particularly helpful if you have a complex medication regimen or tend to forget doses.