LITHIUM

Overview

Lithium is commonly used to manage the manic episodes in bipolar disorder. It distributes throughout body water and is primarily excreted by the kidneys. Lithium toxicity can cause symptoms such as ataxia, tremors, and confusion, making monitoring essential. Blood samples for lithium testing are typically collected 8–12 hours post-dose to ensure accurate serum levels, aiding in both therapeutic monitoring and toxicity evaluation.