Lithium Carbonate Side Effects

Possible side effects of lithium carbonate are listed below. Call your doctor for medical advice if they are severe or persist after a few days.

• Hand tremor
• Restlessness
• Mild thirst
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain, indigestion, gas, constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Weight changes
• Excessive saliva or dry mouth
• Changes in taste
• Swelling of the lips
• Hair loss, brittle hair
• Brittle nails 
• Acne
• Cold sensitivity
• Pale skin
• Joint or muscle pain
• Depression
• Rash, itching

Lithium carbonate can also cause more serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away or seek emergency medical attention if you develop:

• Excessive thirst
• Increased urination
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Slow, jerky movements or uncontrolled movements
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting or blackouts
• Convulsions
• Irregular, fast, pounding, or slow heartbeat
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Crossed eyes
• Pale or discolored fingers and toes that are painful and cold
• Pounding noises in the head
• Headache
• Swelling of the lower legs, ankles, or feet

Stop taking lithium and call your doctor immediately if you develop:

• Dizziness 
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Uncontrolled shaking in any part of your body
• Unusual tiredness or weakness 
• Muscle stiffness, tightness, or twitching 
• Poor coordination
• Slurred speech
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in your ears

The above list may not include all the potential adverse effects of lithium carbonate. Contact your healthcare provider if your side effects are unusual or severe or do not get better over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Lithium carbonate Overdose: In case of an overdose of lithium carbonate, call your doctor immediately. You can also call your local poison control center, provincial poison control center, or the national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 or emergency services if a person has collapsed, cannot breathe, has had a seizure, or cannot be awakened. Symptoms of lithium toxicity may include diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, muscle weakness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, and increased urinary frequency.

Source: FDA