Who are lithium patients? Are they vulnerable to lithium toxicity?
The drug lithium is commonly used to treat people suffering from bipolar disorder, or manic depression. But since the late 1800s, lithium has been used to treat other people suffering from other medical conditions.
Who are lithium patients? The answer to that question has changed over the years. At one time, in the 19th century, lithium was prescribed for a wide variety of ailments. They included depression, gout, cluster headaches and neutropenia, a condition in which a person has an abnormally low amount of white blood cells.
Lithium used to treat a variety of conditions
Nowadays, doctors prescribe lithium to treat major depression and cluster headaches. But the primary reason doctors prescribe lithium is for people afflicted with bipolar disorder, a mood disorder in which people experience bouts of depression contrasted with periods of extreme euphoria.
Bipolar patients & lithium have a long history. Even so, the hazards of lithium overdose injuries remain very real for many people. In particular, there’s a tendency for people to overdose on the drug, resulting in lithium poisoning or lithium toxicity. Lithium toxicity can also occur in patients due to even minor changes in medication or their health. That’s what makes the use of lithium so controversial among medical professionals.
The side effects of lithium toxicity cover a wide range. Relatively mild side effects include tremors, seizures, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In more severe instances, lithium toxicity can produce permanent kidney damage requiring dialysis, severe dehydration or even put patients into a coma. In the most extreme cases, dangerous lithium levels can result in death.
How a lithium toxicity lawyer in Phoenix can help
Knowing what’s the right thing to do in a lithium toxicity case can be a challenge. That’s why you need an experienced, knowledgeable Arizona lithium toxicity lawyer in your corner looking out for your best interests.
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 – we’re on your side.