Litharo^®

Litharo® (Lithium Carbonate) is a mood stabilizer that helps stabilize mood by affecting neural signaling and the function of neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

• Acute mania, acute episodes with mixed features, acute hypomania, acute bipolar major depression in patients over 7 years
• Maintenance treatment to reduce manic and depressive episodes in patients with bipolar disorder aged over 7 years
• Unipolar major depressive disorder
• Postpartum mood disorders
• Prevention of cluster headaches

• Scored tablets: 300 mg

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about the correct way to take it.
• Take with a full glass of water and with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Do not crush or chew the tablets.
• Maintain adequate intake of salt and fluids.

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose.
• Do not double the dose.

• Lithium toxicity can occur even at doses near the therapeutic range.
• If any of the following symptoms occur, stop the medication and contact your doctor immediately:

-Diarrhea and vomiting

-Tremor, muscle coordination problems, lightheadedness, muscle weakness

-Dizziness, unsteady gait, blurred speech, slurred speech

-Muscle twitches, seizures

Before starting and during treatment, your doctor may monitor:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Serum lithium levels
• Signs of lithium toxicity
• Kidney function
• Calcium levels and hypercalcemia symptoms (weakness, fatigue, abdominal pain, constipation, etc.)
• Electrolytes (sodium and potassium)
• Thyroid hormone levels
• Parathyroid hormone levels
• Pregnancy tests
• ECG (heart monitoring)
• Fluid balance
• Body weight
• Signs of excessive thirst or increased urination

• Hypersensitivity to lithium or any component of the formulation
• Severe cardiovascular disease
• Kidney disease
• Debilitated patients
• Dehydration
• Low serum sodium
• Concurrent use of diuretics
• Brain injury

• Lithium may reduce sodium levels; maintain a diet with adequate salt and drink 2.5–3 liters of water daily.
• Seek medical advice immediately if you experience blurred vision, double vision, severe headache, pressure behind the eyes, tinnitus, or sudden vision changes.
• Report any changes in consciousness (restlessness, hallucinations, delirium), palpitations, unstable blood pressure, weakness, dizziness, sweating, hot flashes, or fever.
• Contact your doctor if you experience muscle stiffness, tremor, twitching, loss of coordination, or seizures.
• Inform your doctor of all medications you are taking to prevent drug interactions.
• Patients with cardiovascular disease, myasthenia gravis, or a history of bariatric surgery should inform their doctor.
• Lithium may cause drowsiness; avoid driving or operating machinery if affected.

• Lithium use during pregnancy and lactation must be under specialist supervision.
• Consult your doctor if you plan to become pregnant. It is recommended to avoid lithium during the first trimester to reduce the risk of congenital heart defects.
• If treated with lithium for bipolar disorder during pregnancy, use the lowest effective dose and monitor serum levels regularly.
• If treated for depression during pregnancy, consult your doctor regarding potential medication adjustments.
• Lithium should be discontinued 48–72 hours before delivery.
• Lithium is excreted in breast milk; some infants may show signs of lithium toxicity. If this occurs, breastfeeding should be stopped immediately and a doctor consulted.

Possible side effects (not everyone experiences these):

• Excessive thirst or increased urination
• Low blood sodium
• Dizziness, tremor, impaired coordination, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, weakness
• Cardiac arrhythmias (slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat)
• Skin problems: hair loss, acne, itching, worsening psoriasis
• Digestive issues: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, increased salivation, taste changes
• Sexual dysfunction
• Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
• Hypercalcemia and hyperparathyroidism
• Weight gain

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking lithium with other medications or supplements.

Each package contains 100 scored tablets (10 blister packs of 10 tablets).

• Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Use before the expiration month on the package.
• Keep in the original packaging until use.

1. Lithium: Drug Information, UpToDate 2025
2. Medicines.org.uk – Lithium