Dangerous lithium levels can result in lithium toxicity. Learn more here

When used correctly, lithium can be an effective treatment for bipolar disorder. That’s why bipolar patients & lithium have been associated with each other since the 19^th century. Even so, the dangers of lithium have been well documented by medical professionals. If people take too much lithium, they can sometimes suffer serious, even fatal injuries.

What to do if you’re prescribed lithium

The risk of dangerous lithium levels is the reason why medical professionals have a responsibility to carefully monitor patients taking such powerful drugs. If you were prescribed lithium, the pharmacist or doctor who prescribed the drug should pay especially close attention to your kidneys, which can be damaged if the lithium levels are too high. Specifically, blood tests should be done periodically to make sure lithium levels remain safe. If left untreated, kidney failure can sometimes result, requiring patients to undergo dialysis treatment. Sometimes, lithium poisoning or lithium toxicity can be traced back to a pharmacist lithium error, especially if the pharmacist prescribed a higher dosage that caused serious injuries or a fatal overdose.

Lithium overdose risks

Another controversial aspect of lithium is the tendency for overdoses of the drug, resulting in lithium poisoning or lithium toxicity. There are a wide variety of symptoms of lithium poisoning. Along with damaging the kidneys, the effects of lithium toxicity can include memory problems, movement disorders, tremors, seizures, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In more severe instances, lithium overdose injuries can cause severe dehydration that causes a pulmonary embolism, a sudden blockage in a lung artery. And in certain cases, lithium toxicity has put patients in a coma or even result in death.

Injuries caused by lithium have been well documented for over a century. That’s why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of lithium in 1949. If you believe you’re suffering from the effects of lithium poisoning or lithium toxicity, seek immediate emergency medical attention. You should also contact a knowledgeable Arizona lithium toxicity lawyer who will look out for your best interests.

How a Phoenix lithium toxicity lawyer can help

At Israel & Gerity, PLLC, the lawyers at our Phoenix-based law firm have helped numerous families and people dealing with the effects of lithium toxicity. And no matter what’s your problem, our goal remains the same: to get you the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Contact us today and schedule a free evaluation. Israel & Gerity, PLLC – fighting for justice, one client at a time.