Correct Answer: 0.8 – 1.2 mmol/l
lithium is a mood-stabilizing drug primarily used to treat bipolar disorder, a condition characterized by fluctuations between depressive and manic states. the effectiveness of lithium in stabilizing mood is highly dependent on maintaining its concentration within a specific range in the blood. the established therapeutic range for lithium is between 0.8 and 1.2 mmol/l.
this therapeutic range is critical because it balances efficacy with safety. concentrations lower than 0.8 mmol/l may not be sufficient to prevent the symptoms of bipolar disorder, such as mood swings and manic episodes. on the other hand, blood levels exceeding 1.2 mmol/l increase the risk of lithium toxicity, which can have serious health implications.
lithium toxicity is categorized into three stages based on the concentration in the blood. mild toxicity occurs at levels from 1.2 to 1.5 mmol/l, moderate toxicity from 1.5 to 2.0 mmol/l, and severe toxicity above 2.0 mmol/l. symptoms of toxicity can include nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, muscle weakness, and severe cases can lead to confusion, impaired consciousness, and even coma.
due to these potential risks, monitoring the serum levels of lithium is crucial for patients undergoing lithium therapy. regular blood tests are conducted to ensure that the lithium concentration remains within the therapeutic window. adjustments in dosage, either increases or decreases, may be necessary based on these blood test results, as well as the patient's response to treatment and the occurrence of any side effects.
overall, maintaining the correct lithium serum level is a key aspect of managing bipolar disorder effectively while minimizing the risk of adverse effects from the treatment. doctors and patients must work closely together to monitor and adjust treatment as needed to ensure safety and effectiveness.
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