The impact of lithium in South-West Scotland. III. The discontinuation of lithium.

A review in South-West Scotland of all patients prescribed lithium for the first time during the years 1972-82 showed that on average, 12 per 100,000 of the general population start this drug each year. By the end of the period, lithium had been stopped in 58% of patients; the most common reason for discontinuation was the development of side-effects, of which tremor was the most frequent. In only 15% was lithium stopped as it was considered no longer necessary; 44% of patients discontinued lithium within one year of starting it.