Lithium

Lithium is an element used to reduce the severity of mania and depression in bipolar disorder. It also has an anti-aggressive, causing an improvement in mental status in most patients with bipolar disorder. Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index therapeutic index, hence the need to determine its blood levels at the time of setting the therapeutic dose and for monitoring the treatment. Excess lithium can cause intoxication manifested by: vomiting, headaches, seizures and impaired consciousness.