My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Mental Health Center

Bipolar Disorder Health Center

Email a Friend

Print Article

Bipolar Disorder Health Center

Tools & Resources

Font Size

High lithium carbonate

If you or your child takes lithium for bipolar disorder, watch for the first signs of high levels of lithium in the blood. It's important to maintain a careful balance of lithium in the blood, and the difference between helpful (therapeutic) levels and toxic levels is very small. Signs of high lithium include:

Shaky hands and muscle twitching.
Weakness, loss of balance, and/or drowsiness.
Vomiting and diarrhea.

At the first signs of excess lithium buildup in the blood, call your doctor.

Recommended Related to Bipolar Disorder

Manic Depression,Bipolar

Important It is possible that the main title of the report Manic Depression, Bipolar is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Read the Manic Depression,Bipolar article > >

Later symptoms of high lithium in the blood include:

Slurred speech.
Confusion.
Seizures.

If you experience any of these later symptoms, you need immediate medical treatment. Call 911 or other emergency services.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
Last Revised	March 9, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 09, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.