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Indications - Treatment and prophylaxis of mania, bipolar disorder and recurrent depression.

Dosage & Administration - Adult and child over 12 years: initially 1 gm to 1.5 gm daily; prophylaxis, initially 300-400 mg daily. Should be taken with food.

Side Effects - Tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, hands shaking, memory problems, increased thirst and consequently passing urine more often by day, and perhaps also by night.

Contraindications - Renal insufficiency, cardiovascular insufficiency, Addison's disease and untreated hypothyroidism are all contraindications to lithium therapy.

Others - Pregnancy & Lactation Pregnancy Category D. An increased incidence of cardiovascular abnormality has been noted in infants of women given lithium during the first 3 months of pregnancy, such use should be avoided unless essential. Breast feeding is not advised unless the benefits of lithium use outweigh the advantages.