New Lithium Drug Regulations!!

l lost my mother to Lithium Poisoning/Toxicity last year. Although this drug has been around so long, I need to express my concerns. Why are there no REAL rules and regulations regarding how drug is dispensed and monitored? Her life could have been saved if the proper levels were taken as they should have been.I thought that a physician is supposed to take levels at least every 3 months? The doctor also had her on celexa, which I think complicated things even more. I wish there was an advocacy group or regulations that could bring awareness and try to protect people from this deadly drug and its dangers. My mother accidentally got the wrong dose and no labs for 18 months. She died 15 days after levels reach toxic and became flu like symptoms. Please be careful if you are taking this drug and know the risks long term use will compromise your internal organs and can be fatal. I miss my mom terribly and wish I would have known what these medical professionals were doing or not doing. We trust these medical professionals, yet they make mistakes. I'm suffering with extreme grief and depression over this.

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Hello, NinaFK! How are you doing? I am so very sorry for your loss.

Have they definitively tied her death to lithium poisoning? There are guidelines for treating patients with it and for how often their levels should be checked. However, I don't know if they are actually required, or if they are just up to the doctors and optional.

Toxicity can be very dangerous and most people taking it are evaluated regularly to monitor their levels and reaction to the drug.

You can report this issue to the FDA by contacting them at 888-463-6332.

But there is nothing that can be done to bring your mother back and actually correct such a grievous error and for that, I am very sorry. Your family will never be the same.

Are you seeing any one for your depression? You may need some help for awhile, until you start feeling better.

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Thanks for your reply. Yes death certificate states renal failure due to lithium toxicity. I got all medical charts and I do have a lawyer working on this medical malpractice case in a contingency fee agreement. Yes I know it won't bring her back but perhaps it will help another family in the same situation.yes I have gotten help for depression and anxiety, but this all takes appropriate grieving. I just find it so hard to believe that such a dangerous drug is out there and so loosely monitored.

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Nine, that is just so very tragic, I am truly sad for you. This should never have happened.

I really hope the lawyer can do something.

You're right, people need to know about this type of thing and pay attention to it.

How are you doing?

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I am currently taking lithium and been on it for about 8 months I have recently started having breathing problems and body aches. I have been wondering if it could be my meds.

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Thanks for the numbers to report this.. This medication is dangerous and should require regular monitoring.. Yes all 5 experts have tied her death w Lithium poisoning.. This time of the year is hard and I am thankful for all the help and support I've recieved through an amazing support system.. Some days are just harder than others..

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Could be.. I personally have never been on it, but it did cause a some cardiac problems from my mom, but normally high levels cause flu like symptoms especially diarrhea.. Watch the levels!

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