Lithium therapy and toxicity.

Lithium is a potent agent for the control of psychiatric disease. It is safe and effective when properly administered; however, its use requires a maximally informed physician and careful clinical monitoring of patients. The drug's side effects are usually dose related, and certain patients are at greater risk of experiencing toxicity than others. Management of acute intoxication involves gastric lavage, sodium replacement and the administration of other agents or dialysis to facilitate clearance.