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What Is Lithium For Inspite Of Having Bipolar Symptoms?
Question: would my doctor put me on lithium because he suspects bipolar or just to treat depression?
Brief Answer:
Psychiatrist could use lithium
Detailed Answer:
HI
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.
Lithium is a mood stabilizer and it helps to prevent manic switch. Psychiatrist could use it both in bipolar as well as in depression. If your psychiatrist have doubt about any hypomanic episode in your case, then he could try to maintain you on lithium. There is nothing harm in it. In that way, he is protecting you from manic or hypomanic switch. Treatment option usually depends upon psychiatrist observation at time of mental analysis and may be your psychiatrist is not sure about diagnosis.
In case, you have any query, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrist could use lithium
Detailed Answer:
HI
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.
Lithium is a mood stabilizer and it helps to prevent manic switch. Psychiatrist could use it both in bipolar as well as in depression. If your psychiatrist have doubt about any hypomanic episode in your case, then he could try to maintain you on lithium. There is nothing harm in it. In that way, he is protecting you from manic or hypomanic switch. Treatment option usually depends upon psychiatrist observation at time of mental analysis and may be your psychiatrist is not sure about diagnosis.
In case, you have any query, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Ok, thanks, why is a blood test necessary after starting lithium?
Brief Answer:
To check level and avoid any side effects
Detailed Answer:
HI
Lithium could effect on thyroid and could cause hypothryoidism or hyperthyroidism. It also effects on kidney function. That is the reason, before starting lithium, we prefer to get routine tests like hemogram, kidney function test, serum elctrolyte, thyroid profile, to be done.
Lithium takes five days to get therapeutic serum level and that is the reason, for getting it tested after starting. It helps to check the desire lithium level (0.6 to 1.1meq/dl) in blood. We try to maintain it between the range to avoid any side effects. Repeatedly, other tests are get to be done to check any addition side effects.
In case, you have any query, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
To check level and avoid any side effects
Detailed Answer:
HI
Lithium could effect on thyroid and could cause hypothryoidism or hyperthyroidism. It also effects on kidney function. That is the reason, before starting lithium, we prefer to get routine tests like hemogram, kidney function test, serum elctrolyte, thyroid profile, to be done.
Lithium takes five days to get therapeutic serum level and that is the reason, for getting it tested after starting. It helps to check the desire lithium level (0.6 to 1.1meq/dl) in blood. We try to maintain it between the range to avoid any side effects. Repeatedly, other tests are get to be done to check any addition side effects.
In case, you have any query, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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