1. How long will I need to be on lithium?
Lithium is usually taken every day for a person's lifetime. Bipolar disorder can be managed but not cured.
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2. Who orders lithium tests?
They may be monitored by your primary doctor but may also be ordered and monitored by a mental health professional.
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3. Can I test my lithium level at home?
No, the test requires specialized equipment. Most blood samples are collected from a vein in the arm and tested in the laboratory. However, the FDA has approved a test that can be performed in the doctor's office (it requires blood from a fingerstick). This test may not be widely available yet, but its use may become more common in the near future.
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