Looking for info

[bluespence]

Can anyone tell me about Lithium? What is it used for? Would a Dr prescribe it to someone to calm them down (not for a manic episode) but just because someone couldn't relax? Also, how many would a typical person take in a day?

The reason I am asking is because I talked to my sister tonight (she is an alcoholic). She called to tell me she is okay, but the reason she had missed work was because she had a severe asthma attack and she claims she is allowed to take up to six pills a day. She sounded like she had been drinking, she was slurring her words and she was saying things that didn't make sense which these are things she does when she drinks too. I just don't believe her story, but I don't know anything about lithium. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I did search the internet but I didn't find the kind of info I am looking for.

Thank you!!

[NautyOne]

Librium is available by tablets or injection. The usual dosage for Librium ranges from 5mg to 50mg, one to four times a day. The tablet should be taken with food or milk. In some cases, such as alcohol withdrawal or preoperative sedation, the dosage is greater than 50mg. The onset of effect is almost immediate in some cases but generally occurs within one to three hours. The duration of the effect lasts from 12 to 24 hours.

Hope this helps.........

[bluespence]

Thanks for the info..I am thinking that it must be Librium,not litium...so now knowing this, can you give me info on Librium??

Thank you!!

[avisg]

yeah i am with the ladies lithium is used for bipolar disorder has has to be watched very carefully with labs done every few weeks

[whitie]

I worked with a guy, that was in the nuthouse at one time. he was on lithium. its a salt he told me. and it is a long term treatment for people with mental issues as far as I know.......


I know he was messed up when he was not on it......

[NautyOne]

I was thinking the same thing.  Maybe you were talking about librium.  I thought lithium was used in batteries.....lol.

[worried878]

ok...so u r speaking of lithium/not librium...librium is often used for alcohol wd and is a mild benzo...litium is for bipolar disorder....blood leveles need to be monitored...drinking alcohol with litium is strongly not advised...it is a natural chemical we all have in our body but for bipolar disorder it is an old drug of choice///but a good one for many if they r compliant...alcohol is a no no cos it messes the lithium levels up really bad....she needs to speak to her dr..if she is a heavy drinker then lithium may not be her best choice

[NautyOne]

The correct dosage of lithium is partly determined by the weight of the patient. An average beginning dose is about 300 milligrams 2 to 4 times a day. Blood measuring should be done twice weekly for the first 2 weeks, once a week for the next 3 or 4 weeks, at 2 week intervals for the next 2 months, then monthly. The best time to draw the blood is 12 hours after the patient has taken his last dose.

Hope this helps???????

[bluespence]

please anyone.....just don't want it to go so far down that no one responds!!!

Thanks