Element.Encyclopedia Entry for Lithium :Lithium toxicity. Lithium is a soft metal that can be harmful in large amounts.Lithium is sold under various brand names, including: Cibalith Carbolith Duralith Lithobid Note: Lithium is also commonly found in batteries, lubricants, high performance metal alloys, and soldering supplies. This article focuses only on the medicine.Symptoms of the three types of lithium toxicity are described below. ACUTE TOXICITY Common symptoms of taking too much lithium at one time include: Diarrhea Dizziness Nausea Stomach pains Vomiting Weakness Depending on how much lithium was taken, a person may also have some of the following nervous system symptoms: Coma (decreased level of consciousness, lack of responsiveness) Hand tremors Lack of coordination of arms and legs Muscle twitches Seizures Slurred speech Uncontrollable eye movement Heart problems may occur in rare cases. CHRONIC TOXICITY There will likely not be any stomach or intestinal symptoms. Symptoms that can occur include: Increased reflexes Slurred speech Uncontrolled shaking (tremors) In severe cases of chronic toxicity, there may also be nervous system and kidney problems, such as: Kidney failure Memory problems Movement disorders Problems keeping salts in your body Psychosis (disturbed thought processes, unpredictable behavior) ACUTE ON CHRONIC TOXICITY There will often be some stomach or intestinal symptoms and many of the severe nervous system symptoms listed above.Determine the following: Person's age, weight, and condition Name of the product (ingredients and strength, if known) Time it was swallowed Amount swallowed Whether the medicine was prescribed for the person.Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions. This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Take the container to the hospital with you, if possible. The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Tests that may done include: Blood tests to measure lithium levels and other body chemicals, and urine tests to detect other drugs ECG (electrocardiogram or heart tracing) Treatment may include: Fluids through a vein (by IV) Medicines to treat symptoms Activated charcoal, if other substances were also taken Laxative Whole bowel irrigation with a special solution taken by mouth or through a tube through the nose into the stomach (to flush sustained-release lithium quickly through the stomach and intestines) Kidney dialysis (machine).If someone has acute lithium toxicity, how well they do depends on how much lithium they took and how quickly they get help. People who do not develop nervous system symptoms usually do not have long-term complications. If serious nervous system symptoms occur, these problems may be permanent. Chronic toxicity is sometimes hard to diagnose at first. This delay can lead to long-term problems. If dialysis is done quickly, the person may feel much better. But symptoms such as memory and mood problems may be permanent. Acute on chronic overdose often has the worst outlook. Nervous system symptoms may not go away, even after many dialysis treatments.Lithobid toxicity.Aronson JK. Lithium.