Lithium bromide is a chemical compound related to s alts. It is obtained by mixing hydrobromic acid and lithium carbonate. Able to form several crystalline hydrates. Anhydrous s alt forms specific cubic crystals that resemble table s alt in their spring structure.
What is this
Based on lithium bromide, psychotropic drugs from the group of mood stabilizers are produced. These drugs were discovered in 1949, but they are still used by modern doctors for affective disorders, manic, hypomanic bipolar disorders, and for the prevention of severe depressive states. Bromine and lithium compounds have a calming effect on the nervous system, they help prevent suicide, and therefore are highly valued by psychiatrists.
Lithium is an alkali metal, so it is used in the form of s alts of carbonate, orotate, lithium sulfate, carbonate, citrate. In its pure form, lithium bromide is not used in medicine, since it causes chronic intoxication when taken 250mg per day. Of the lithium s alts in medical institutions, only carbonate is used.
How do lithium s alts affect the body of a sick person? Passes emotional excitement, sleep is restored, behavior is ordered. A psychotropic positive effect is achieved with manic-depressive psychosis.
Use and indications
Lithium bromide is most commonly used as a desiccant in air conditioners. It acts as a reagent in organic synthesis.
Based on this compound, sedative preparations for the nervous system are made. In the early twentieth century, the substance was used as a sedative. Lithium bromide is used to treat bipolar affective disorder. The danger is that the s alts are psychoactive.
Effective lithium is not only for endogenous disorders, but also helps patients who suffer from organic psychosis, epilepsy, chronic alcoholism, leukopenia. In addition, lithium s alts are used externally for dermatological problems, viral infections, fungal infections, seborrheic dermatitis, malignant tumors. It has a stable effect in bipolar affective disorder.
Lithium s alts must be taken by the patient according to a certain scheme. On the first day, the dosage is from 0.6 to 0.9 grams, the next dose is increased by 0.3 g. If the substance is well tolerated, then the dosage gradually increases. Exceeding the dose of 1.2 g is unacceptable.
Contraindications
Lithium bromide solution is not absolutely safe for human he alth. Preparations containing it should be prescribed only by a doctor. For example, the medicine "Sedalite" contains this substance. The main contraindications for use include dysfunction of the kidneys and thyroid gland. There is a serious risk of developing hypothyroidism. During the entire course of treatment with lithium preparations, driving a car and other potentially dangerous activities should be abandoned. Exclude for the duration of treatment and the intake of large amounts of s alt, junk food. It is absolutely unacceptable to take lithium-based drugs for pregnant and lactating women. There are other contraindications, which are determined individually. Be aware that lithium overdose often results in the death of the patient.
Side effects
Overdose of the drug occurs in those who take excessively high doses of lithium bromide, do it accidentally or intentionally. It accumulates in the body, causing severe side effects. Among them are the following reactions:
- nausea;
- vomit;
- diarrhea;
- muscle weakness;
- reaction inhibition;
- confused mind;
- convulsions;
- coma.
In addition, a person may experience muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, kidney failure. Lithium bromide solution is toxic if this substance accumulates in the body. An overdose of lithium is dangerous to he alth and life. If the patient is taking medication forbased on it, such unpleasant symptoms as cardiac arrhythmias, severe muscle weakness, increased thirst, exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can also occur. It is important during treatment to take the necessary tests for the level of lithium in the blood. Calming drugs for the nervous system are taken strictly under the supervision of the attending physician, if the patient feels unwell, lithium therapy is canceled, symptomatic treatment is carried out.
