Abstract
Lithium prescribing and monitoring in general practice
Highlights
Lithium has an important role in the management of affective disorders (Cowen, 1988; Gelder et al 1989), in prevention of recurrence of mania and depression
There is no doubt that the use of lithium does need to be monitored but this is quite easy in general practice, and each doctor should have a plan for monitoring drug levels
Of 1250 consecutive lithium estimations over several months in 1994 in our borough of 305000 population, 5 out of the 6 levels aGbPosv'eca1re.2monmlyo,l/el venwetrheoufgohundtheinvapstatimenatjsoritiyn of patients on lithium were in consultant care
Summary
Lithium has an important role in the management of affective disorders (Cowen, 1988; Gelder et al 1989), in prevention of recurrence of mania and depression. There is no doubt that the use of lithium does need to be monitored but this is quite easy in general practice, and each doctor should have a plan for monitoring drug levels. My practice is to do levels three-monthly, with an annual check on thyroid and renal function, but some authors (Kehoe & Marder, 1992) feel that this policy is too strict.
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