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Practical aspects of long-term treatment with lithium

Consultant Psychiatrist, Highland Psychiatric Research Group, Craig Dunain Hospital, Inverness IV3 6JU, UK

There is no increase in the overall mortality of patients undergoing long-term lithium treatment compared with those receiving short-term treatment. Lithium causes a reduction in the incidence of suicide in patients suffering from manic depressive illness. Long-term treatment with lithium is more effective than treatment with imipramine or amitriptyline. Drug interactions may cause problems during long-term therapy with lithium. A reduction in plasma levels of lithium should be considered in stable patients on long-term prophylaxis. Discontinuation of therapy often results in a relapse. The toxicity of lithium is related to its effects on calcium transport.

Key Words: lithium • manic depressive • illness • long-term therapy • toxicity • suicide • calcium transport

Journal of Psychopharmacology, Vol. 6, No. 2 suppl, 330-333 (1992)
DOI: 10.1177/0269881192006002081


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