Q I heard lithium toxicity is dangerous — what symptoms mean I need to go to the emergency room immediately?
A Lithium toxicity symptoms include worsening hand tremor, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, and confusion. If any of these appear, go to the emergency room immediately.
Detailed Answer
Lithium toxicity occurs when blood concentration rises above 1.5 mEq/L. Dehydration (hot weather, intense exercise, vomiting, diarrhea) reduces lithium excretion and raises its concentration. Key symptoms: sudden worsening of hand tremors, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision, muscle cramps, confusion. If any one of these appears, go to the emergency room immediately.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
During Korean medicine treatment, patients taking lithium should pay careful attention to fluid intake and sodium balance. On hot days or when sweating heavily, we advise adequate fluid replenishment. If any suspicious symptoms appear, we first recommend going to the emergency room before anything else.
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