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Lithium
History: Anti manics (commonly called mood stabilizers) were developed in the late 1940's. The most common anti manic is lithium. It was discovered that lithium chloride tastes very similar to sodium chloride (table salt) and was used as a salt substitute for heart patients. It was soon discovered that high amounts of lithium in the body was toxic, resulting in many deaths. John Cade, and Australian physician had been experimenting with the effects of lithium on guinea pigs. He saw that the salt had sedative properties. When given to patients, it was found that the drug had no effect on schizophrenics and people suffering from depression, but improved all manic patients.[1]
Mode of intake: Lithium is taken orally in the form of a pill or syrup.[2]
Immediate effects: Majority of patients on lithium suffer from unwanted side effects such as hand tremors, increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling and weight gain. Lithium temporarily relieves mania and blocks aspects of depression.[2]
Long term effects: Lithium enters and leaves the brain rather slowly, resulting in sporadic concentrations in the brain and no protein binding. Lithium crosses the placental barrier, causing it to find its way into breast milk. Mothers who breast-feed should not take this drug. It is also known to cause heart problems in developing fetuses if taken early in the pregnancy. The use of lithium should be avoided near pregnancy. After extended treatment, patients may experience muscle weakness or kidney damage. Patients report feeling mentally slower and have difficulty concentrating.[2]
Medical applications: Lithium is commonly used to help treat bipolar disorder. It is often used simultaneously with antidepressants when antidepressants are not enough by themselves.[2]
Misuse and abuse: Lithium is not commonly misused or abused, but in the rare circumstances, overdoses usually leads to a toxic buildup in the body resulting in illness and death.[2]
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History: Anti manics (commonly called mood stabilizers) were developed in the late 1940's. The most common anti manic is lithium. It was discovered that lithium chloride tastes very similar to sodium chloride (table salt) and was used as a salt substitute for heart patients. It was soon discovered that high amounts of lithium in the body was toxic, resulting in many deaths. John Cade, and Australian physician had been experimenting with the effects of lithium on guinea pigs. He saw that the salt had sedative properties. When given to patients, it was found that the drug had no effect on schizophrenics and people suffering from depression, but improved all manic patients.[1]
Mode of intake: Lithium is taken orally in the form of a pill or syrup.[2]
Immediate effects: Majority of patients on lithium suffer from unwanted side effects such as hand tremors, increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling and weight gain. Lithium temporarily relieves mania and blocks aspects of depression.[2]
Long term effects: Lithium enters and leaves the brain rather slowly, resulting in sporadic concentrations in the brain and no protein binding. Lithium crosses the placental barrier, causing it to find its way into breast milk. Mothers who breast-feed should not take this drug. It is also known to cause heart problems in developing fetuses if taken early in the pregnancy. The use of lithium should be avoided near pregnancy. After extended treatment, patients may experience muscle weakness or kidney damage. Patients report feeling mentally slower and have difficulty concentrating.[2]
Medical applications: Lithium is commonly used to help treat bipolar disorder. It is often used simultaneously with antidepressants when antidepressants are not enough by themselves.[2]
Misuse and abuse: Lithium is not commonly misused or abused, but in the rare circumstances, overdoses usually leads to a toxic buildup in the body resulting in illness and death.[2]
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