2006 issue 3-4

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Volume 22, issue 3-4

Review article

Endocrine and metabolic side-effects of lithium

Dominik Strzelecki1
1. Klinika Zaburzeń Afektywnych, Psychotycznych i Psychiatrii Młodzieżowej Centralnego Szpitala Klinicznego Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Łodzi
Farmakoterapia w Psychiatrii i Neurologii, 2006, 3–4, 159–166
Keywords: lithium, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, weight gain

Abstract

During lithium treatment appear several significant hormonal changes, which can cause worsening of mental and physical state. Most frequent disorders concern thyroid gland – often diagnosed hypothyreosis, sporadically hyperthyreosis. Other serious adverse effects of lithium treatment are hyperparathyreosis and metabolic disturbances: diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus and weight gain. Review article describes typical hormonal and metabolic dysfunctions, their prevalence, risk factors, possible mechanisms, monitoring and treatment.

Address for correspondence:
Dominik Strzelecki
Klinika Zaburzeń Afektywnych
Centralny Szpital Kliniczny Uniwersytetu Medycznego
92-216 Łódź, ul. Czechosłowacka 8/10
tel. (042)6757371, fax. (042)6757403
e-mail: strzeleckidomin@poczta.onet.pl