General Information

Lithobid tablets contain lithium carbonate. Lithobid provides twice-daily dosing as opposed to several times a day for immediate-release preparations; Lithobid's slow-release formulation helps to minimize variations in lithium concentrations as compared with immediate-release preparations.

Lithobid is specifically indicated in the treatment of manic episodes of Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder, Manic (DSM-IV) is equivalent to Manic Depressive illness, Manic, in the older DSM-II terminology. Lithobid is also indicated as a maintenance treatment for individuals with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. Maintenance therapy reduces the frequency of manic episodes and diminishes the intensity of those episodes which may occur.

Acute Mania: Optimal patient response can usually be established with 1800 mg/day in the following dosage: 3 tabs (900mg) in the morning and evening. Long-term control: Desirable serum lithium concentrations are 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L and can usually be achieved with 900 to 1200 mg/day. 

Side Effects

Adverse effects associated with Lithbold may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Fine hand tremor
• polyuria
• mild thirst
• transient and mild nausea
• general discomfort 

Lithium toxicity is closely related to serum lithium levels, and can occur at doses close to therapeutic levels. Facilities for prompt and accurate serum lithium determinations should be available before initiating therapy

Mechanism of Action

Preclinical studies have shown that lithium alters sodium transport in nerve and muscle cells and effects a shift toward intraneuronal metabolism of catecholamines, but the specific biochemical mechanism of lithium action in mania is unknown.

Clinical Trial Results

A study showed that within three weeks of vigorous lithium treatment, 49% of the subjects had a moderate or better response.