Understanding Lithium Toxicity: A Personal Account
Greetings! I am a 25-year-old female, weighing 73 kg, diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder II. My current medication regimen includes taking 2.5 Lithium Carbonate tablets, each containing 450 mg. Recently, I made a deliberate choice to consume a staggering 20 of those tablets, which equals 9000 mg in total. Since then, I have experienced significant distress, characterized by vomiting four times and four episodes of loose bowel movements. Additionally, I am feeling quite dizzy and excessively tired. What further symptoms should I be aware of as a result of this situation? Update: Currently, my gastrointestinal distress has subsided; however, I continue to feel a strong sense of fatigue, a lack of appetite, and heightened irritability. It has now been 31 hours post-ingestion. Thank you for your assistance!
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 9:30:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are in a concerning situation with your recent lithium intake. Lithium toxicity is a serious condition, especially given the high amount you ingested.
Key Points
- You may experience various symptoms due to lithium toxicity, which can escalate quickly.
- Given your symptoms and recent history, close monitoring is crucial.
Explanation
Lithium is a medication used to stabilize mood in conditions like Bipolar Disorder. Taking an excessive amount can lead to toxicity, which affects various bodily systems, particularly the kidneys and neurological functions. Symptoms of lithium toxicity can range from mild to severe and may include:
- Mild symptoms: Tremors, increased thirst, frequent urination
- Moderate symptoms: Nausea, vomiting (which you've had), diarrhea, dizziness (which you're experiencing), fatigue (continuing), irritability, and confusion
- Severe symptoms: Muscle weakness, lack of coordination, seizures, and even coma in extreme cases
Next Steps
- Hydration: Continue to drink plenty of fluids to help your kidneys flush out lithium. Aim for water and electrolyte solutions.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any new symptoms such as confusion, worsening fatigue, or changes in mental status. If you notice anything concerning, seek immediate help.
- Rest: Prioritize rest to help your body recover. Fatigue may take time to improve since your body is processing a large quantity of lithium.
- Avoid further lithium use: Ensure you do not take any additional doses until you've been cleared by a healthcare provider.
- Consider professional support: Even if symptoms are manageable now, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional regarding this incident.
Additional Consideration
Since it's been over 31 hours since the ingestion and you're still feeling significant fatigue and irritability, I strongly encourage you to seek medical attention, as they can perform blood tests to check your lithium levels and overall health.
Remember, your safety is the priority. Please take care of yourself and consider reaching out for professional help.
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