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Drug Guide    E   eskalith Cr

    Prescription drug information       User opinions and reviews (5)    

   Eskalith Cr eskalith Cr eskalith Cr eskalith Cr
eskalith Cr

Eskalith Cr
Lithium-Oral


Eskalith Cr is used to treat manic-depressive disorder (bipolar disorder). It works to stabilize the mood and reduces extremes in behavior.

ALTERNATE NAMES

Lithium Carbonate

 
3.4 out of 5
Avg Consumer Rating 3.4 out of 5
5 Reviews | Post your opinion
  Eskalith Cr images:
eskalith Cr prescription drug /side effects/Lithium-Oral ESKALITH-CR pic 1
eskalith Cr prescription drug /side effects/Lithium-Oral Eskalith , Lithobid | Eskalith pic 2
eskalith Cr prescription drug /side effects/Lithium-Oral Eskalith (lithium) 300 mg pic 4

Overview Photos How To Use Side Effects Precautions Missed Dose Drug Interactions

eskalith Cr
Lithium Carbonate

Uses
Eskalith Cr is used to treat manic-depressive disorder (bipolar disorder). It works to stabilize the mood and reduces extremes in behavior.


Storage
  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight.
  • Do not store in the bathroom.
  • Do not freeze liquid forms.


Overdose
  • If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
  • Symptoms of overdose may include diarrhea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, lack of coordination, unusual drowsiness, seizures, tremor, and loss of consciousness.

Photos
ESKALITH-CR
ESKALITH-CR
Eskalith , Lithobid | Eskalith
Eskalith , Lithobid | Eskalith
Eskalith (lithium) 300 mg
Eskalith (lithium) 300 mg

How To Use
  • Take with food or milk or immediately after meals to prevent stomach upset.
  • Eskalith Cr works best if the amount of Eskalith Cr in your body is kept at a constant level.
  • Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night.
  • Drink 8-12 glasses of water or other fluid each day and maintain a regular diet while taking Eskalith Cr.
  • Do not change the amount of salt in your diet unless your doctor tells you to do so.
  • Eskalith Cr must be taken as prescribed.
  • Do not stop taking Eskalith Cr suddenly without consulting your doctor.
  • Some conditions may worsen if the medication is suddenly stopped.

Side Effects
  • May cause drowsiness, tiredness, increased thirst, increased frequency of urination, weight gain, and trembling of the hands.
  • These should subside as your body adjusts to the medication.
  • If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
  • Notify your doctor if you develop: diarrhea, vomiting, fever, unsteady walking, fainting, confusion, slurred speech, rapid heart rate, severe trembling of the hands.
  • If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions
  • Tell your doctor your entire medical history especially if you have: leukemia, heart disease, kidney disease or other urinary problems, epilepsy, parkinsonism, severe dehydration (symptoms include strong and persistent thirst), infections accompanied with high fever, any allergies.
  • Eskalith Cr may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
  • Limit alcoholic beverages.
  • Eskalith Cr is not recommended for use during pregnancy especially during the first three months.
  • Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor.
  • Lithium is excreted into breast milk.
  • In most cases, breast-feeding is not recommended while using Eskalith Cr.
  • Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose
  • If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered unless the next scheduled dose is within 2 hours (or 6 hours for slow-release forms).
  • If so, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
  • Do not double-up the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions
  • Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you are taking including: anti- inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine), other drugs for mental/mood conditions (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, thiothixene, or butyrophenones such as haloperidol), water pills.
  • Maintain a normal diet with an average consumption of sodium.
  • Avoid products that contain sodium (like sodium bicarbonate, an ingredient in certain antacids).
  • Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Add a Rating - Post your opinion about this drug

Post your opinion about eskalith Cr


User Medicine Opinions for eskalith Cr
Overall: 4 out of 5
Low adverse Reactions 4 out of 5
Healing Power: 5 out of 5
No dependency problems: 5 out of 5
Cost-Benefit: 4 out of 5
Sex: F
Age: 17
Time Taken: 3 months

Reason: Bipolar Date: 24 November 2002
Side Effects
VERY VERY SLEEPY ALL THE TIME

Additional Thoughts


Overall: 5 out of 5
Low adverse Reactions 3 out of 5
Healing Power: 4 out of 5
No dependency problems: 4 out of 5
Cost-Benefit: 5 out of 5
Sex: F
Age: 35
Time Taken: 13 years

Reason: bipolar Date: 27 March 2005
Side Effects


Additional Thoughts
I have taken this drug for 13 yrs and it has made a huge difference in my life. Since taking it I have not had a major depression and only some minor hypomania that was short lived that goodness. Don't be fooled by the new generic drug it is not the same. I took it for 6 wks when the local pharmacies suddenly did not have eskalith. The generic is extended release not controlled and there is a difference. The generic dumps so much lithium in your system at once unlike Eskalith that you are tired and can't think straight. The generic also made me extremely bloated and I got toxic which rarely happens with Eskalith. This a great drug and from my experience drugs like depakoate and tegretol don't work. And antipsychotic meds should not be taken long term and why would you want to. Eskalith prevents the highs and lows and that's what this condition is all about without medication.

Overall: 1 out of 5
Low adverse Reactions 4 out of 5
Healing Power: 5 out of 5
No dependency problems: 4 out of 5
Cost-Benefit: 4 out of 5
Sex: F
Age: 28
Time Taken: 16 days

Reason: suspected bipolar Date: 29 August 2005
Side Effects
swelling, exhaustion, confusion, apathy

Additional Thoughts
Don't take this medication unless you have a responsible doctor who thoroughly reviews the side effects and will be available if you have questions, especially during the first couple weeks.

Overall: 2 out of 5
Low adverse Reactions 4 out of 5
Healing Power: 5 out of 5
No dependency problems: 5 out of 5
Cost-Benefit: 5 out of 5
Sex: M
Age: 58
Time Taken: 8 years

Reason: Bipolar Date: 25 November 2005
Side Effects
My side effects are weight gain but the most troubling when you can't find ESKALITH CR anymore. I feel like I am dying. I had a pharmacists tell me the "generic" was ESKALITH CR ... After 2-3 days I realized something was wrong. That is when I found out I was taking generic. THE PHARMACY SHOULD HAVE TO TELL YOU THE GENERIC IS NOT THE SAME AS THE BRAND!!

Additional Thoughts
I feel like there is no one to help me. I am going to stop taking the lithium. I don't know why they - whoever they are - have stopped manufacturing Eskalith CR but I would rather fade away than struggle with this. It is just too hard.

Overall: 5 out of 5
Low adverse Reactions 4 out of 5
Healing Power: 4 out of 5
No dependency problems: 5 out of 5
Cost-Benefit: 5 out of 5
Sex: F
Age: 52
Time Taken: 2 years

Reason: Depression and hypomania Date: 5 January 2007
Side Effects
None, but need to drink more water.

Additional Thoughts
Brought me out of severe suicidal depression that Effexor could not alone. Saved my life. Back to normal except for some mood issues for which therapy is the best solution.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

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