indications
Last reviewed 01/2018
- mania:
- in the acute phase
- as prophylaxis for mania
- lithium-augmentation of antidepressants:
- lithium may be administered with tricyclic depressants in cases of resistant depression
- failure to respond to lithium-augmented anti- depressants is an indication for ECT
- prophylaxis in depression:
- lithium is less effective in preventing recurrences of depression than in preventing episodes of bipolar affective disorder
- maintenance therapy with a first-line antidepressant drug is usually preferable
- lithium has been used in the treatment of premenstrual tension