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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Lithium Cause Weight Gain With Cramps In Toes, Shoulders And Fingers?

Hi. I have been on lithium for 2yrs. I have put on weight as a result. Also when over exurting I am experiacing severe cramping in toes,fingers shoulders legs and arms. Keep vomiting on the job to. Extreme fatigue and thirst too. I believe its fom the Lithium. What do You think?
Mon, 4 May 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi
Welcome to HCM.
I appreciate your concern for the safety of Lithium.

Yes, Lithium can cause weight gain and tremors (cramps).
Other side effects that occur with the use of Lithium include: Increased thirst, Increased urination, fatigue, muscle weakness or cramps, thyroid gland hypofunctioning, acne formation etc.

You are advised to visit your treating doctor for the possible use of alternate drugs like Valproic acid or Carbamazepine which are also equally effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Hope this answers your query and the suggestion given could be of great help in avoiding the unwanted side effects of Lithium..

A feed back is appreciated.
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Does Lithium Cause Weight Gain With Cramps In Toes, Shoulders And Fingers?

Hi Welcome to HCM. I appreciate your concern for the safety of Lithium. Yes, Lithium can cause weight gain and tremors (cramps). Other side effects that occur with the use of Lithium include: Increased thirst, Increased urination, fatigue, muscle weakness or cramps, thyroid gland hypofunctioning, acne formation etc. You are advised to visit your treating doctor for the possible use of alternate drugs like Valproic acid or Carbamazepine which are also equally effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Hope this answers your query and the suggestion given could be of great help in avoiding the unwanted side effects of Lithium.. A feed back is appreciated.