Lithium

Lithium is a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder with a narrow therapeutic range of 0.6–1.2 mEq/L. Because lithium and sodium are handled similarly by the kidneys, the client must keep sodium and fluid intake steady — low sodium or dehydration drives lithium toxicity. Early toxicity shows as tremor and GI upset, progressing to confusion, ataxia, and seizures, so levels are monitored regularly.