Neurotoxicity with therapeutic lithium levels: a case report

J Psychiatr Pract. 2009 Jan;15(1):60-3. doi: 10.1097/01.pra.0000344921.36157.dc.

Abstract

This case report describes the history and hospital course of an otherwise healthy 20-year-old male with bipolar I disorder who developed symptoms of severe lithium toxicity, culminating in a seizure, despite a level of lithium of only 0.8 mEq/L, within the usual therapeutic range. The discussion emphasizes that lithium toxicity is diagnosed by clinical symptoms and can occur even at usual therapeutic blood levels.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antimanic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antimanic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antipsychotic Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Benzodiazepines / administration & dosage
  • Benzodiazepines / pharmacokinetics
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Drug Overdose
  • Humans
  • Lithium Carbonate / adverse effects*
  • Lithium Carbonate / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Olanzapine
  • Seizures / chemically induced*
  • Suicide, Attempted
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antimanic Agents
  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Lithium Carbonate
  • Olanzapine