Long-term and short-term repercussions of Lithium consumption
Lithium, a medication commonly used to treat bipolar disorder, requires careful management due to its potential long-term effects on the thyroid and kidneys.
The long-term side effects of lithium on the thyroid include hypothyroidism and goiter, conditions characterised by an underactive thyroid gland and enlargement of the thyroid, respectively. Lithium exposure can alter thyroid hormone levels, often leading to elevated TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and reduced T3 and T4 hormones. In some cases, lithium may trigger autoimmune thyroiditis.
On the kidneys, lithium affects the ability to concentrate urine, leading to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (excessive thirst and urination) and potential chronic kidney disease over time. Prolonged use may cause reduced glomerular filtration rate, which may progress if lithium toxicity or accumulation occurs.
Managing these side effects involves rigorous, regular monitoring of thyroid and kidney function, clinical vigilance, and appropriate treatment adjustments or supplementation as needed. Regular laboratory monitoring includes kidney function tests, thyroid function tests, and checking for thyroid antibodies to detect autoimmune involvement.
Hypothyroidism, a concern for people taking lithium, causes symptoms such as depression, dry skin, fatigue, cold intolerance, trouble thinking, and weight gain. Regular tests may be recommended to monitor thyroid function.
Lithium can also affect the parathyroid glands, leading to hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can cause conditions like osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues.
It is important to note that lithium raises the risk of a birth defect called Ebstein's anomaly in unborn babies. Therefore, doctors may closely monitor a person's lithium levels during pregnancy and recommend an ultrasound of the baby's heart between 16 weeks and 20 weeks.
Severe side effects of long-term lithium use include hypothyroidism and kidney problems. High lithium levels can cause health problems, with levels higher than 1.5 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) of blood serum being potentially toxic.
Lithium can pass into a person's breast milk, so it is not typically recommended to breastfeed while taking this medication.
In cases of lithium overdose, there is no medication to treat it. Treatment involves monitoring the person, correcting their electrolyte levels, and performing dialysis to filter their blood.
In summary, the long-term side effects of lithium on the thyroid and kidneys necessitate careful monitoring and management in patients under treatment. Regular monitoring of thyroid and kidney function, clinical vigilance, and appropriate treatment adjustments or supplementation as needed are key to managing these side effects.
- Lithium, frequently used for bipolar disorder, can lead to hypothyroidism and goiter in the long term, conditions characterized by an underactive thyroid gland and enlargement, respectively.
- Lithium exposure can result in altered thyroid hormone levels, often causing high TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and low T3 and T4 hormones.
- On the kidneys, lithium affects the ability to concentrate urine, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease over time.
- Managing these side effects requires rigorous, regular monitoring of thyroid and kidney function, clinical vigilance, and appropriate treatment adjustments or supplementation as needed.
- Hypothyroidism, a concern for people taking lithium, may cause symptoms such as depression, dry skin, fatigue, cold intolerance, trouble thinking, and weight gain.
- Lithium can also affect the parathyroid glands, potentially leading to hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia, which can cause conditions like osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues.
- It is important to note that lithium raises the risk of a birth defect called Ebstein's anomaly in unborn babies, so doctors may closely monitor a person's lithium levels during pregnancy and recommend an ultrasound of the baby's heart between 16 and 20 weeks.
