Eskalith

Eskalith is an element used for the treatment bipolar disorder by reducing the severity and frequency of manic states, and preventing bipolar depression in some patients. This drug acts on the central nervous system by helping foster the growth and survival of nerve cells in brain pathways that regulate mood, thinking and behavior.

Its intended effect is to help people with bipolar disorder have more control over their emotions, sleep, energy, and possible extremes in behavior. The effects depend on your individual condition and response and the amount of lithium you use. This drug requires a prescription.

Before using Eskalith, the risks and benefits for your body should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

Studies in the elderly and children younger than 12 years of age regarding the correlation of age to the effects of lithium extended-release tablets have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established. The relationship of age to the effects of lithium capsules, solution, and tablets in the pediatric population is still under investigation while safety and efficacy have not been established.

Adjustments in the dose of elderly patients may be required since they are more likely to have age-related heart and kidney problems. Risks to the fetus have been determined in studies of pregnant women but this may be outweighed by the benefits of therapy in a life threatening situation or a serious disease.

Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the risks and benefits of this drug before breastfeeding.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as Antidepressant drugs, MAOIs, Dextromethorphan, ACE inhibitors, Calcium channel blockers, Anticonvulsants, Meperidine, Methyldopa, Methylxanthines, muscle relaxants, NSAIDs, Phenothiazines, Pentazocine, Tramadol, loop and thiazide diuretics. Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as Brugada syndrome, decreased urination, diarrhea, infection, kidney disease, prolonged sweating, vomiting, severe dehydration, cardiovascular disease, hyponatremia, kidney disease, muscle weakness, weakened physical condition, ecephalopathic syndrome, goiter or other thyroid problems, or nervous system problems.

To use Eskalith correctly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. To prevent any side effects, take this drug exactly as directed in the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are on a low-sodium or low-salt diet. Serious side effects have been associated with hyponatremia. Seek advice from your healthcare professional for the correct amount of fluid to take with this drug. Swallow the extended-release tablet whole and refrain from breaking, crushing, or chewing it.

It is recommended to measure the oral solution with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or drug cup. Lithium can come in several different forms. Consult with your healthcare professional before you change the type of drug you will take. This drug must be taken every day in regularly spaced doses as ordered by your healthcare professional.

This is needed to maintain a constant amount of lithium in your blood in order to experience its optimal effects. Use the brand that is recommended by your healthcare professional. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed.

The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. Adults with acute mania are given 600 milligrams or 10 milliliters three times a day. Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional. For long-term treatment of mania in adults, 300 milligrams or 5 milliliters is given three or four times a day.

Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional. Adults using extended release capsules for acute mania are given 900 milligrams two times a day or 600 mg three times a day. Use and dose in teenagers and children 12 years of age must be determined by your healthcare professional.

Use is not recommended for children younger than 12 years of age. For long-term treatment of mania in adults, 600 milligrams is given two times a day, or three times a day up to 1200 mg per day. Use and dose in teenagers and children 12 years of age must be determined by your healthcare professional. Use is not recommended for children younger than 12 years of age.

A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.

Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

In using Eskalith, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor.

Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug. Unwanted effects can be screened using blood and urine tests.

This drug has teratogenic potential and use of effective forms of birth control is recommended. Inform your healthcare professional immediately if you think you have become pregnant while taking the drug, tell. If you experience diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, muscle weakness, tremors, unsteadiness, or other problems with muscle control or coordination, consult with your healthcare professional immediately.

Inform your healthcare professional if you have Brugada syndrome. Contact emergency medical services immediately experience fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, unexplained fainting, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or troubled breathing after taking this drug. Taking this drug with haloperidol (HaldolВ®) may result to encephalopathic syndrome.

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience fever, confusion, drowsiness, difficulty with speaking, uncontrolled body movements, and unusual tiredness or weakness. This drug may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or reduced alertness. Be careful before taking this drug before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous. Use extra care in hot weather and during activities that cause you to sweat heavily, such as hot baths, saunas, or exercising.

Check with your healthcare professional if you have an infection or illness that causes heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, shakiness, or muscle weakness, since the loss of too much water and salt from your body could lead to serious side effects from this drug. Consult with your healthcare professional before you go on a diet to lose weight and make a major change in your diet. Consult with your healthcare professional before taking any other prescription or non-prescription drugs and herbal or vitamin supplements.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Eskalith.

Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur. Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as confusion, poor memory, or lack of awareness, fainting, fast or slow heartbeat, frequent urination, increased thirst, irregular pulse, stiffness of the arms or legs, troubled breathing, unusual tiredness or weakness, weight gain, blue color and pain in the fingers and toes, coldness of the arms and legs, dizziness, eye pain, headache, noise in the ears, vision problems, dry, rough skin fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse, hair loss, hoarseness, lightheadedness, mental depression, sensitivity to cold, shortness of breath, swelling of the feet or lower legs, swelling of the neck, unusual excitement, or symptoms of overdose such as blurred vision, clumsiness or unsteadiness, convulsions, diarrhea, drowsiness, increase in the amount of urine, lack of coordination, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, nausea or vomiting, ringing in the ears, slurred speech, or trembling.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional.