Lithium overdose injuries can be severe, even fatal. Know the risks
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. The government allowed the drug to be prescribed again starting in 1970 after researchers demonstrated the beneficial effects of lithium to treat mania, one of the two common states for people suffering from bipolar disorder. Specifically, scientists have found that “lithium is most efficient long-term therapy for treatment and prevention of bipolar affective disorders,” according to Lewis R. Goldfrank’s medical resource book “Goldfrank’s Toxicologic Emergencies”
A closer look at lithium side effects
Bipolar patients & lithium have been associated with each other since the 19th century. Even so, overdose injuries caused by lithium do occur and can be extremely serious. Lithium overdoses regularly result in lithium poisoning or lithium toxicity. There are a wide variety of symptoms of lithium poisoning. The effects of lithium toxicity can include memory problems, movement disorders, tremors, seizures, vomiting and diarrhea.
Lithium overdoses can also produce more serious, life-altering injuries. Lithium toxicity can alter a person’s plasma level. That’s probably why the drug was sometimes used in the past to treat neutropenia, a condition in which a person has an abnormally low amount of white blood cells. When not used correctly, lithium toxicity can cause permanent kidney failure, resulting in patients having to receive dialysis treatment. Lithium toxicity has also been linked to 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.
Why a lithium toxicity lawsuit may be necessary
Families dealing with a lithium toxicity case often have grounds for a legitimate case. Negligent lithium monitoring by the doctor or hospital that prescribed lithium is one way families can pursue compensation for such injuries. Medical professionals have a responsibility to carefully monitor patients taking such powerful drugs.
Are you dealing with a lithium toxicity injury? Are you confused? Scared? Unsure what to do? We can help. At Israel & Gerity, PLLC, we have years of experience dealing with complicated lithium toxicity cases. Attorney Kyle A. Israel is one of the nation’s leading lithium toxicity attorneys. Contact us and discover what we can do for you. An experienced Arizona lithium toxicity lawyer at our firm can help you sort through all details and help you craft a rock-solid case designed to get you the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Israel & Gerity, PLLC – we’re on your side.