You’ve undoubtedly heard the word lithium a few times in chemistry class or in a cartoon. I first heard about lithium in chemistry class when reciting the periodic table. Like the couple of the other elements on the chart, I haven’t gone out of my way to learn all of their functions. Now that news of people overdosing on lithium has surfaced, many people, including myself, are extremely concerned about the possibility of a lithium overdose. What is lithium exactly?
The chemical element lithium has an atomic number of three and the symbol Li. It is a combustible, highly reactive, soft, silvery-white alkali metal. Lithium is incredibly adaptable and has many uses. Such as its high energy density, which makes it suitable for use in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. It is also employed in a number of industrial processes, including those that produce lubricants, glass, and ceramics. Now for the focus of this article, lithium is also used in medicine, which is precisely where overdosing occurs. In this article we are going to be looking at the severity of lithium overdose and how it can occur.
How Can You Overdose On Lithium?
Upon hearing about lithium overdose for the first time, this was the first thought that entered my head. Does it only occur when they consume too much at once, or can little doses also cause an overdose?
First off, lithium salts are prescribed by doctors to treat bipolar disorder and some forms of depression. They work as mood stabilizers. Many people who live with these disorders find that they help control their mood swings and reduce their symptoms. Moving on, there are several ways that a lithium overdose might occur, including:
- Taking more lithium than is recommended or inadvertently consuming a drug belonging to another person.
- Some people may deliberately take too much lithium if they are attempting suicide or self-harm.
- Lithium and other drugs may interact, causing your body to produce higher amounts of lithium and possibly an overdose.
- Lithium levels in your body can be impacted by conditions like dehydration or a salt imbalance, which raises the possibility of toxicity even at standard dosages.
- Reduced kidney function can make it more difficult for your body to effectively eliminate lithium, which can result in higher accumulation levels of the metal and even an overdose.
- While taking too much lithium at once can undoubtedly result in an overdose, toxicity can occur even at low dosages if other factors such as dehydration, interactions with other medications, or underlying health issues are present.
What Are The Early Indicators of Lithium Overdose?
The symptoms of a lithium overdose are primarily determined by the intensity of the overdose. However, you would still have an early indicator, which is your body’s way of notifying you that something is wrong with the system.
These early signs include:
| Types of Symptoms | Effects | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Gastrointestinal Distress | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain | Mild |
| Neurological Symptoms | Tremors, drowsiness, weakness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating | Mild / Moderate |
| Muscle Twitching | Involuntary muscle twitching or jerking | Moderate |
| Excessive Thirst and Urination | Increased thirst and urination | Moderate |
| Cardiovascular Effects | Rapid or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, and even cardiac arrhythmias | Severe |
Does Lithium Overdose Have A Long Term Effect?
With a potent ingredient like lithium, there will definitely be long-term consequences, especially if the lithium overdose is severe.
