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Home > Drug Category > Antidepressant Drugs > Duralith and Equivalent

Duralith Information

Duralith (Lithium Carbonate) is used to treat or control the manic episodes of bipolar disorder (manic depression). Bipolar disorder is present with manic symptoms such as hyperactivity, rushed speech, poor judgment, reduced need for sleep, aggression, and anger. The drug is also used to prevent or lessen the intensity of manic episodes. The active ingredient in Duralith is Lithium Carbonate. Antimanic medications like lithium carbonate work by stabilizing moods and restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain to reduce extremes in behavior.

Duralith Side Effects

The most common side effects of Duralith may include blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, increased thirst, and nausea. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Balance problems;
• Loss of bladder or bowel control;
• Seizures;
• Shortness of breath;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat

Duralith Precautions

Do not use Duralith if you are allergic to Lithium Carbonate or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have abnormal electrocardiograph or EKG, breathing problems, fainting spells, heart disease, kidney disease, thyroid disorder, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Duralith and other medications, such as fentanyl, tramadol, tryptophan, St. John’s wort, buspirone, etc. Do not use Duralith if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. Do not use Duralith if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. It is unknown if Duralith will harm a fetus. However, having untreated bipolar disorder can harm a pregnant woman and her unborn baby. Do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. Instead, ask your doctor if a different medication would be right for you. If you are planning to become pregnant, use an effective form of birth control to prevent pregnancy. Do not use Duralith while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. Lithium Carbonate passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not give this drug to children below 7 years without talking to your doctor.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the capsule whole, and do not crush, chew, or break it. Take this drug at the same time each day to help you remember. It may take up to 3 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed, and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not begin to improve after one week of treatment. You can easily become dehydrated while taking lithium. Drink extra fluids each day to prevent dehydration. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Ask your doctor about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. Duralith may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how lithium will affect you. Do not change the amount of salt you consume in your diet. Changing your salt intake could change the amount of lithium in your blood. Store this medication at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Duralith?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Duralith.