General Info:

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM:

Eskalith is used for the treatment of manic/depressive (bipolar) and depressive disorders. Eskalith is a positively charged element or particle that is similar to sodium and potassium. It interferes at several places inside cells and on the cell surface with other positively charged atoms such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium which are important in many cellular functions.

Eskalith interferes with the synthesis and reuptake of chemical messengers by which nerves communicate with each other (neurotransmitters). Eskalith also affects the concentrations of tryptophan and serotonin in the brain. In addition, Eskalith increases the production of white blood cells in the bone marrow. Eskalith's effects usually begin within one week of starting treatment, and the full effect is seen by 2 to 3 weeks.

Eskalith has been used since the 1950's. The currently most frequently used preparation, lithium carbonate, was not approved by the FDA until 1970.

DOSING:

Eskalith is generally taken with food, although its absorption is not markedly affected by the presence of food. (See section on side effects below.) Doses vary widely and are adjusted based on measurements of the levels of Eskalith in the blood. Early in therapy, dose adjustments are made as often as every 5 to 7 days to establish the correct dose. Patients with kidney diseases excrete less Eskalith from the body and, therefore, require lower doses.

SIDE EFFECTS:

The most common side effects that can occur in persons taking Eskalith are fine hand tremor, dry mouth, altered taste perception, weight gain, increased thirst, increased frequency of urination, mild nausea or vomiting, impotence, decreased libido, diarrhea, and kidney abnormalities. Many of the gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, taste alterations, diarrhea) often disappear with continued therapy. Additionally, they may be less common if Eskalith is taken in divided doses with meals. If diarrhea or excessive urination lead to dehydration, Eskalith toxicity is possible. Eskalith can also cause changes in the electrocardiogram, low blood pressure, and decreased heart rate.

The following side effects suggest that Eskalith blood levels may be too high, and that the dose of Eskalith may need to be reduced (after confirmation by measurement of Eskalith levels in blood): loss of appetite; visual impairment; tiredness; muscle weakness; muscle fasciculations (twitches); tremor; unsteady gait; confusion, seizure; arrhythmias; slurred speech; coma.