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Lithium

Also known as: Often referred to by brand name (see MedlinePlus Drug Information)
Formal name: Lithium
Related tests: Therapeutic drug monitoring, BUN, Creatinine, TSH, T4
Common Questions
  1. How long will I need to be on lithium?
2. Who orders lithium tests?
3. Can I test my lithium level at home?


1. How long will I need to be on lithium? Lithium is usually taken every day for a patient’s lifetime. Bipolar disorder can be managed but not cured.



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.



3. Can I test my lithium level at home? No, it requires specialized equipment. Most blood samples are collected from a vein in the arm and tested in the laboratory. However, the FDA has recently approved a test that can be performed in the doctor’s office (it requires blood from a fingerstick). This test is not currently in widespread use but may be an option in the near future.






This article was last reviewed on April 10, 2006.
 
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