LITHIUM CARBONATE SIDE EFFECTS

Bioavailability and Side Effects of Different Lithium Carbonate ProductsSpecial Clinics, Department of Research, Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital, and McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.Among the three lithium preparations tested, no significant difference was found in the bioavailability, as expressed in serum and erythrocyte lithium concentrations and urinary lithium output.The side effect reports, however, varied significantly among the types of lithium under study. The slower the absorption of a particular preparation, the fewer the side effects. The results of this study support the view that preference should be given to lithium preparations with slow-release properties, particularly in side-effect-prone subjects.