ENHANCING THE EFFICACY OF LITHIUM TREATMENT BY COMBINED USE WITH DIURETICS AND LOW SODIUM DIETS - PRELIMINARY-REPORT

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 40  (7) , 317-322
Abstract
Since Na metabolism may influence manic-depressive illness, the efficacy of Na depletion in enhancing Li therapeutic effect was studied. Manic patients (27) refractory to Li doses producing therapeutic serum levels were subjected to Li alone, Li in combination with a thiazide diuretic and Li in combination with a low Na diet. Such combinations could be helpful in reducing manic symptoms in the majority of patients without engendering undue toxicity. While mechanisms of action remain to be elucidated, apparently such combinations may be safely administered to those manic patients not responding to L alone or to those requiring Li but suffering either a Li-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus or other severe side effects. Caution is advised in employing the combinations until better controlled research substantiates the preliminary data.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: