Lithium Overdose

[Nik121]

I am not suicidal. I am being prescribed Lithium daily. I like to know as much as I can about my meds. I know the lethal dose of lithium is about 5gs or 5000mgs which is about 5 times what I am prescribed. I also have looked up the symptoms of lithium toxicity (not fun). But I can't seem to fine anywhere how long after a lethal amount or a small overdose (such as 1 accidental extra dose) on top of toxicity symptoms would start to show or when death would take place. So my question is when would symptoms begin to show and when would death occur. I don't need exact times but if toxicity showed hours after an over dose and death came days after it would give me a timeline which is all I'm looking for. Thank you.

[Nik121]

Thank you guys. I never thought of calling poison control.

[persephonedemeter]

They take calls from the general public. They specialize in toxicology. I find them very helpful and to the point.

[persephonedemeter]

Try calling your state's Poison Control Center.. They are very knowledgeable in this type of question. Here is the info for New York State. Look up their wensite. It is provided by New York's Department of Health.

New York Regional Poison Control Centers - 1-800-222-1222
www.health.ny.gov/professionals/poison_control/centers.htm

If you took an extra dose accidentally, you can also call you psychiatrist, but this site also shows an emergency number. They will also tell you what to do.