How to use Lithium? (Camcolit, Lithobid, Eskalith, Lithonate) - Doctor Explains

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:24:02 +0000

In this video we will cover everything you need to know about Lithium, also known as Lithobid. This video is part of a video series on mental health problems. So for more mental health related videos check out this playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playli....st?list=PLaG3Bo3L0gX

Generic name: Lithium.
Brand names: Camcolit, Lithobid, Eskalith and Lithonate.
Available as regular tablets, delayed-release tablets and capsules.

How to use it?
Regular tablets and/or capsules: Swallow them completely with half a glass of water.
Delayed-release tablets: Swallow them whole with half a glass of water. Do not chew or crush these tablets, as this will unintentionally release all the active ingredient at the same time. This may decrease the effectivity and may increase the side effects you experience.

When to use it?
Lithium is a salt, which shares similarities with sodium and potassium. It can be used to treat several medical conditions like:
- Bipolar disorder.
- Depressive episodes.
- And off label it can be used to treat cluster headache.

What is the correct dosage?
the precise dose will depend on your specific indication of use, the side effect you might experience, the severity of your symptoms and on the blood levels of lithium you will be having throughout your treatment.
For lithium to be effect the dose needs to be precisely monitored. Therefore I can’t provide you with commonly prescribed dosages in this video.
Always use the precise amount and frequency your doctor prescribed you.

What are common the side-effects?
Very common (10%): excessive thirst, excessive peeing, shaking hands and weight gain.
Common (1-10%): slow working thyroid gland, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Rare (0.1-0.01%): Concentration and memory impairment, increased sebum production and acne.

Safety:
First of all be careful to combine lithium with alcohol. As this might increase the side effects.
In addition, it can be dangerous to drive while using this drug. As it can cause you to become drowsy, sleepy and/or dizzy. If you experiencing any of these side effects then please do not drive.
Furthermore, lithium can have interactions with other drugs your are taking. always discuss this with your prescribing doctor.
Lastly lithium can be dangerous for people with a severely impaired kidney function, severe heart disease and/or (severe) brain damage. Always discuss this with your doctor.

Pregnancy and Lactation:
Lithium can be dangerous in both cases, however there are some exceptions. Therefore always discuss this with your doctor.

- Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -

I want to give special thanks to my sponsors on Patreon:
- Sebastian Houwing: Investor
- Roel: Supporter

Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2020). Lithium.
2: Apotheek.nl (2020). Lithium.

* The images in this video are used for educational purposes only. Most of the images and video material in this video come from https://www.canva.com/.

Music:
1. Verified Picasso, Fish Room
2. Patrick Patrikos, Good Times
3: Patrick Patrikios, Rockville
4: Patrick Patrikios, Grut

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