Generic Eskalith is used to treat the manic episodes of manic-depressive illness, a condition in which a person\'s mood swings from depression to excessive excitement. A manic episode may involve some or all of the following symptoms:

• Aggressiveness
• Elation
• Fast, urgent talking
• Frenetic physical activity
• Grandiose, unrealistic ideas
• Hostility
• Little need for sleep
• Poor judgment

Once the mania subsides, Generic Eskalith treatment may be continued over the long term, at a somewhat lower dosage, to prevent or reduce the intensity of future manic episodes.

Some doctors also prescribe lithium for premenstrual tension, eating disorders such as bulimia, certain movement disorders, and sexual addictions.

Generic Eskalith (lithium) interferes with the synthesis and reuptake of chemical messengers by which nerves communicate with each other (neurotransmitters). Generic Eskalith (lithium) also affects the concentrations of tryptophan and serotonin in the brain. In addition, lithium increases the production of white blood cells in the bone marrow. Lithium\'s effects usually begin within one week of starting treatment, and the full effect is seen by 2 to 3 weeks.

Generic Eskalith (lithium) has been used since the 1950\'s. The currently most frequently used preparation, lithium carbonate, was not approved by the FDA until 1970.

Do not change from one brand of lithium to another without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Take Generic Eskalith exactly as prescribed.

While taking Generic Eskalith, you should drink 10 to 12 glasses of water or fluid a day. To minimize the risk of harmful side effects, eat a balanced diet that includes some salt and lots of liquids. If you have been sweating a great deal or have had diarrhea, make sure you get extra liquids and salt.

If you develop an infection with a fever, you may need to cut back on your Generic Eskalith dosage or even quit taking it temporarily. While you are ill, keep in close touch with your doctor.

Long-acting forms of lithium, such as Generic Eskalith CR or Lithobid, should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, crush, or break.

If you miss an Generic Eskalith dose
Ask your doctor what to do; requirements vary for each individual. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Adults
Acute Episodes
The usual dosage of Generic Eskalith is a total of 1,800 milligrams per day. Immediate-release forms are taken in 3 or 4 doses per day; long-acting forms are taken twice a day.

Your doctor will individualize your dosage according to the levels of Generic Eskalith in your blood. Your blood levels will be checked at least twice a week when the drug is first prescribed and on a regular basis thereafter.

Long-term Control
Dosage will vary from one individual to another, but a total of 900 milligrams to 1,200 milligrams per day is typical. Immediate-release forms are taken in 3 or 4 doses per day; long-acting forms are taken twice a day.

Blood levels in most cases should be checked every 2 months.

Children
Safety and effectiveness of Generic Eskalith in children under 12 years of age have not been established.

Older adults
Older people often need less Generic Eskalith and may show signs of overdose at a dosage younger people can handle well.

Generic Eskalith Storage instructions
Store at room temperature.

Generic Eskalith Overdose
Generic Eskalith taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect symptoms of an overdose of Generic Eskalith, seek medical attention immediately.

The harmful levels are close to those that will treat your condition. Watch for early signs of overdose, such as diarrhea, drowsiness, lack of coordination, vomiting, and weakness. If you develop any of these signs, stop taking Generic Eskalith and call your doctor.

If Generic Eskalith is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Generic Eskalith with the following:

• ACE-inhibitor blood pressure drugs such as Capoten or Vasotec
• Acetazolamide (Diamox)
• Amphetamines such as Dexedrine
• Antidepressant drugs that boost serotonin levels, including Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft
• Bicarbonate of soda
• Caffeine (No-Doz)
• Calcium-blocking blood pressure drugs such as Calan and Cardizem
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• Diuretics such as Lasix or HydroDIURIL
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Iodine-containing preparations such as potassium iodide (Quadrinal)
• Major tranquilizers such as Haldol and Thorazine
• Methyldopa (Aldomet)
• Metronidazole (Flagyl)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Celebrex, Feldene, and Indocin
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Tetracyclines such as Achromycin V and Sumycin
• Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Quibron, others)
  

Generic Eskalith appears in breast milk and is considered potentially harmful to a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding while you are taking it.

Special warnings about Generic Eskalith
Generic Eskalith may affect your judgment or coordination. Do not drive, climb, or perform hazardous tasks until you find out how Generic Eskalith affects you.

Your doctor will prescribe Generic Eskalith with extra caution if you have a heart or kidney problem, brain or spinal cord disease, or a weak, run-down, or dehydrated condition.

Also make sure your doctor is aware of any medical problems you may have, including diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid problems, Parkinson\'s disease, and difficulty urinating.

You should be careful in hot weather to avoid activities that cause you to sweat heavily. Also avoid drinking large amounts of coffee, tea, or cola, which can cause dehydration through increased urination. Do not make a major change in your eating habits or go on a weight loss diet without consulting your doctor. The loss of water and salt from your body could lead to lithium poisoning.

Possible Generic Eskalith side effects
The possibility of side effects varies with the level of lithium in your bloodstream. If you experience unfamiliar symptoms of any kind, inform your doctor as soon as possible.

Side effects that may occur when you start taking Generic Eskalith include:
Discomfort, frequent urination, hand tremor, mild thirst, nausea.

Other side effects of Generic Eskalith may include:
Abdominal pain, blackout spells, cavities, changes in taste perception, coma, confusion, dehydration, dizziness, dry hair, dry mouth, fatigue, gas, hair loss, hallucinations, increased salivation, indigestion, involuntary tongue movements, involuntary urination or bowel movements, irregular heartbeat, itching, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, muscle rigidity, muscle twitching, painful joints, poor memory, restlessness, ringing in ears, seizures, sexual dysfunction, skin problems, sleepiness, slowed thinking, slurred speech, startle response, swelling, thinning hair, tightness in chest, vision problems, vomiting weakness, weight gain, weight loss.