Lithium

The dosage of lithium must be regulated on an individual basis. The level of concentration in the blood must be approximately between 0.8-1.4 milli-equivalents per liter of blood. For this reason blood samples must be taken regularly when a person is receiving lithium treatment. When the concentration of lithium is too low, the desired results will not be obtained and if it is too high, there may be adverse side effects.

Initially, the dose given is very low, then a blood sample is taken, and the dosage is increased gradually until the desired concentration is reached. When therapy is initiated, blood samples are taken every three or four days, then once a week, progressing to every two weeks, once a month, then perhaps every three or four months. In order to maintain the desired level, the medication is usually taken periodically throughout the day, depending upon the dosage. Slow-release and sustained-release tablets and capsules have been developed that make the administration of lithium medication easier. It is sometimes taken in liquid form as well.