Lithium adverse reactions in psychiatric patients.

A brief review of the literature on the adverse reaction of lithium therapy in man is presented. This was aimed at both toxic and side effects of lithium on various organ systems of the body. Inconclusive, insufficient or conflicting data were found in several areas of possible lithium-induced toxicity, notably in lithium-associated nephrotoxicity. Results of prospective studies are needed to clarify this issue. Adverse reactions derived from continued administration of lithium salts with neuroleptic medications or with electroconvulsive therapy were also reviewed. Lithium-induced side effects on the endocrine and gastrointestinal systems were also summarized along with both dermatologic and ophthalmologic effects. The teratogenicity of lithium during pregnancy and its cardiovascular abnormalities were discussed. The target organs of lithium poisoning and their management were also presented.