Mood stabilizers are used to treat bipolar affective disorder. Lithium was the first medication used to treat this disorder and is sometimes referred to as an anti-mania drug because it can help control the mania that occurs in bipolar disorder. Lithium must be closely monitored with a narrow therapeutic range.^[1]

Lithium

Mechanism of Action

Lithium alters sodium transport in nerve and muscle cells and causes a shift toward intraneuronal metabolism of catecholamines, but the specific biochemical mechanism of lithium action in mania is unknown.^[2]

Indications for Use

Lithium is indicated in the treatment of manic episodes of bipolar disorder and as a maintenance treatment for individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

Nursing Considerations Across the Lifespan

Lithium must be closely monitored with a narrow therapeutic serum range of 0.6 to 1.2 mmol/L. ^[3] Serum sodium levels should also be monitored for potential hyponatremia.^[4]

The drug is contraindicated in renal or cardiovascular disease, severe dehydration or sodium depletion, and to clients receiving diuretics because the risk of lithium toxicity is very high in such clients.

Lithium can cause fetal harm in pregnant women. Safety has not been established for children under 12 and is not recommended.

When given to a client experiencing a manic episode, lithium may produce a normalization of symptomatology within 1 to 3 weeks.^[5]

Adverse/Side Effects

Black Box Warning: Lithium toxicity is closely related to serum lithium levels and can occur at doses close to therapeutic levels at 1.5 mEq/L. Facilities for prompt and accurate serum lithium determinations should be available before initiating therapy. Lithium can cause abnormal electrocardiographic (ECG) findings and risk of sudden death. Clients should be advised to seek immediate emergency assistance if they experience fainting, lightheadedness, abnormal heartbeats, or shortness of breath.

Signs of early lithium toxicity include diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, muscular weakness, and lack of coordination. At higher levels, giddiness, ataxia, blurred vision, tinnitus, and a large output of dilute urine may be seen. No specific antidote for lithium poisoning is known; treatment focuses on the elimination of the medication.

Fine hand tremor, polyuria, and mild thirst may also persist throughout treatment.^[6],^[7]

Client Teaching & Education

Clients should take medication as directed. It is important to note that antimanic drugs may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Additionally, if individuals have low sodium levels, it may predispose the client to toxicity. Clients should also be advised that weight gain may occur.

Lithium Medication Card

Now let’s take a closer look at the medication grid for lithium.^[8],^[9] Medication cards like this are intended to assist students to learn key points about each medication. Because information about medication is constantly changing, nurses should always consult evidence-based resources to review current recommendations before administering specific medication. Basic information related to each class of medication is outlined below.  Prototype or generic medication examples are also hyperlinked to a free resource at Daily Med. On the home page, enter the drug name in the search bar to read more about the medication.