Lithium antidepressant taken with

For some psychotropic drugs (e.g., lithium and some antidepressants) a good correlation exists between plasma levels and therapeutic or toxic effects. Optimum steady-state levels can now be predicted from single-dose blood level data of some drugs (lithium, nortriptyline, desipramine). Altered PK behavior in children has to be taken into consideration in using psychotropic drugs. With development of suitable drug... 

Antidepressants are considered to have additive effects, therefore combined use is not recommended. Inhibitors of serotonin reuptake by CNS neurons may interact with other drugs or circumstances which cause serotonin release. The enhancement of the serotonergic effects may produce a life-threatening serotonin syndrome. Drugs which can increase the serotonin level when taken in combination with SSRIs include TCAs, MAOIs, reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase, carbamazepine, lithium, or serotoneric substances. These drugs should not be coadministered with SSRIs and they may increase the risks of developing a serotonin syndrome. 

By the late 1960s, lithium became the drug of choice for treatment of manic depression. Today, lithium is one of the most reliable drugs for lowering the manic high of bipolar depression. Lithium has proved an efficient treatment for mania with a response rate of 60 percent to 80 percent in classic euphoric mania cases. It is also sometimes used in treatment-resistant unipolar depression. Lithium is commonly taken as a salt, lithium carbonate, and is sold under a variety of brand names (Carbolith, Cibalith-S, Duralith, Eskalith , Lithane, Lithizine, Lithobid). Not only is it unique for calming the manic phase of depression, its chemical structure and properties are like no other antidepressant. 

Lithium The most commonly used mood-stabilizing medication. Lithium is a derivative of lithium salts, which occur naturally, and is relatively inexpensive. With a shorter half-life than most antipsychotics and antidepressants, it must generally be taken more than once a day. As a rule, it is the drug of choice for treating bipolar disorder but can also be used to... 

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