Drug Information for Lithium Carbonate Oral - WebMD Free News Delivered to You It is very important to have the right amount of lithium in your body. Too much lithium may lead to unwanted effects such as nausea, diarrhea, shaking of the hands, dizziness, twitching, seizures, slurred speech, confusion, or increase in the amount of urine. Tell your doctor immediately if these effects occur. Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Take lithium with or immediately after meals to lessen stomach upset. Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush or chew. Doing so can destroy the long action of this drug and may increase side effects. Drink 8 to 12 glasses (8 ounces or 240 milliliters each) of water or other fluid each day, and maintain a healthy diet with normal amounts of salt (sodium) as directed by your doctor or dietician while taking this medication. Large changes in the amount of salt in your diet may change your lithium blood levels. Do not change the amount of salt in your diet unless your doctor tells you to do so.
