How is Lithium tx?

50 years and still The Reference/first choice drug. 1- inhibition of second messenger enzymes inositol monophosphatase 2- modulation of G proteins 3- inhibition of glycogen synthetase kinase 3 (GSK3) and protein kinase C. Promotes neuroprotection long-term plasticity. Evidence as best for suicide prevention. Side effects: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, weight gain, hair loss, acne, tremor ... Long-term adverse effects on the thyroid and kidney -Prelithium workup: TSH, FT3, FT4, CBC, Electrolytes, BUN, Creatinine, Ca and EKG if more than 40 yrs. -Therapeutic level :0.6 - 0.9 and clinical assessment.