Abrupt lithium discontinuation in manic-depressive patients.

Abstract

Prophylactic lithium was abruptly discontinued (under double-blind conditions and using placebo) in 18 manic-depressive patients for 15 days. Following lithium withdrawal tremor of hands, polyuria, general muscular weakness, polydipsia and dryness of mouth were significantly reduced. No withdrawal symptoms were noted. Three patients relapsed within 4 days of lithium discontinuation. The questions arising from these findings are discussed and the possibility of a rebound phenomenon produced by lithium is considered.