Optimizing lithium treatment

The purpose of this article is to discuss treatment of ride effects that ca n occur during lithium therapy. Side effects from Lithium are common but ge nerally benign. For this article. I have divided the side effects into thos e that occur early, those that are late appearing, side effects tr related to drug interactions, and lithium toxicity. Side effects can decrease compl iance. Lithium is a very effective drug for the stabilization of mood disor der in bipolar patients. Since side effects can affect compliance, recognit ion and treatment of early and late-appearing side effects are important as pects of lithium pharmacotherapy.