Lithium

Lithium is classified as an antidepressant and mood stabilizer, but it has also proved to be very effective at preventing cluster headaches. It works within the brain to correct chemical imbalances of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. (You might note an added benefit of improved mood, ability to concentrate, and sleep while taking this medicine.) Common brand names include Lithium Carbonate, Eskalith, Lithane, Lithobid, Lithonate, Lithotabs, Lithium Citrate, and Cibalith.

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It may take your doctor a few weeks to figure out an effective dose. Never abruptly stop the medicine if you feel it is not helping; instead, notify your doctor and discuss a dosage adjustment. You may need to have blood levels drawn to determine the level of drug in your system.

Common side effects include:

• Increased thirst
• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Metallic taste in your mouth
• Fatigue
• Fine hand tremors
• Uncoordination or abnormal movements of arms and legs

Most of these symptoms will lessen as your body adjusts to the medicine, although some elderly patients might be extremely sensitive to the effects of lithium. Call your doctor if you develop a skin rash, generalized itching, blurred vision, clumsiness, staggering, hand tremor, confusion, giddiness, muscle twitching, ringing in the ears, increased output of diluted urine, or cold intolerance. Also call if you take or plan to take thyroid medication.

Do not take aspirin, nonsteroidal inflammatory medicines, or diuretics (water pills) with lithium. Do not follow a salt-restricted diet while on lithium, as it may increase the likelihood of potentially dangerous side effects. Do not take lithium if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Lithium is excreted in breast milk.