Which one of the following features is least recognised in long-term lithium use?
Lithium (side-effects)
Side-effects of lithium include:-
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Polyuria
- Polydipsia
- Nausea
- Weight gain
- Fine tremor
- Metallic taste
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle weakness
Side-effects are dose (plasma level) related. Propranolol can be helpful for fine tremor. Lithium is also known to exacerbate certain skin conditions including psoriasis and acne.
Long-term use is associated with the following:-
- Hypothyroidism
- Irreversible nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
- Reduced GFR (chronic kidney disease)
- Hyperparathyroidism
