0. Accessed September 2009.C. Generally, lithium blood levels are performed 12 hours after the last dose (also known as a "trough" level). This test is important in diagnosing any existence of a rare tumor in the blood. Lithium blood levels are generally performed 12-18 hours after the last dose. Drugs that can increase lithium in the body include anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen and naproxen and diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide and frusemide. Tell the person who draws your blood when you took your last dose so that the results can be interpreted correctly.Lithium is a drug used as an antipsychotic in the treatment of bipolar disorder. These periods may be as short as a few days or weeks or as long as months or years. Excess of lithium leads to lithium toxicity and develops symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, tremors and with insufficient amounts the medications might not be effective.A Lithium test is normally prescribed for the assesment of lithium levels in the blood. Another main complaint at the beginning of the treatment is the metallic taste in the mouth. Available online at http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/815523-overview. Most common are fasting blood sugar and ch ... Read More. Since dosage timing varies and some formulations are time released, collection specifics may vary.The therapeutic range for lithium has previously been established at 0.6 - 1.2 mmol/L but recent studies have suggested a range of 0.6 - 1.0 mmol/L. (Jan 14, 2009) Lloyd A. Netdoctor: Lithium. Bipolar Disorder. Accessed July 17, 2013.This form enables patients to ask specific questions about lab tests. During a manic episode, those affected may be euphoric, irritable, have high energy and grandiose ideas, use poor judgment, and participate in risky behaviour. If they are above the therapeutic range and/or are experiencing significant side effects at their current dose, then it is likely that they are taking too much medication. al. But some of them are temporary and therefore medical officers have the responsibility to educate patients regarding the possible side effects and what measures to be taken by the patient. Available online at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000926.htm. Living abroad? During a manic episode, those affected may be euphoric, irritable, have high energy and grandiose ideas, use poor judgment, and participate in risky behaviors. Somiruwani Nisansala is an MBBS graduate from Faculty of Medicine, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, SriLanka. (Updated March 24, 2009) Lee D, Gupta M. Toxicity, Lithium from Medscape. No test preparation is needed. The test may also be used at regular intervals to monitor blood concentrations. Thank you for using the Consumer Information Response Service ("the Service") to inquire about the meaning of your lab test results. And in the maintenance phase, there should be 0.6-0.8mmol/L of drug level in the body.Since it has a very narrow therapeutic index, when Lithium levels are higher than expected range patient can get symptoms of lithium toxicity. Wijeratne and B. Draper. Bipolar disorder can be managed but not cured. Bipolar disorders are a mental condition that are characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania. Bipolar Disorder. Available online through http://www.nami.org. They may be fatigued but have trouble sleeping, experience weight loss or gain, have difficulty concentrating, and have thoughts of suicide. Sometimes affected patients will have mixed episodes with aspects of both mania and depression. 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