Lithium is highly effective for managing bipolar disorder but can cause serious toxicity at levels only modestly above the therapeutic range. Toxicity symptoms include tremor, confusion, vomiting, slurred speech, and at severe levels, seizures and kidney injury.
This test is ordered routinely for patients on lithium therapy — typically every few months once stable — to confirm therapeutic levels, evaluate suspected toxicity, adjust dosing after dose changes or when new medications are added, and monitor patients with reduced kidney function. Levels should be drawn approximately 12 hours after the last dose for consistent interpretation. Sample type is serum.
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