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Applied Clinical Pharmacokinetics, 2e
Chapter 17. Lithium
Sections: Lithium: Introduction, Therapeutic and Toxic Concentrations, Clinical Monitoring Parameters, Basic Clinical Pharmacokinetic Parameters, Effects of Disease States and Conditions on Lithium Pharmacokinetics, Drug Interactions, Initial Dosage Determination Methods, Use of Lithium Serum Concentrations to Alter Dosages, Bayesian Pharmacokinetic Computer Programs, Dosing Strategies, Problems, Answers to Problems, References.
Topics Discussed: bipolar disorder; central nervous system agents; lithium.
Excerpt:"Lithium is an alkali metal that is administered as a monovalent
cation (Li+) for the treatment of
bipolar disorder. In the United States, orally administered carbonate
and citrate salts of lithium are available. While lithium is still
used as a primary treatment for bipolar disorders, valproic acid,
lamotrigine, or carbamazepine may be used for some subsets of the
disease.1 Although this drug has been used in psychiatric
medicine since the 1940s, the mechanism of action of lithium is largely
unknown. Among the current theories are competition with other cations
at receptor and tissue sites, dopamine-receptor supersensitivity
blockage, decreased stimulation of  -receptor induced
adenylate cyclase, and enhanced sensitivity to serotonin (5-HT),
acetylcholine, and  -aminobutyric acid (GABA).1,2..."
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