Priadel

What is it?

An antidepressant preparation which is a lithium salt. Available as scored, white, continuous-release, capsule-shaped tablets in 2 strengths, containing 200mg of lithium carbonate marked P200 and 400mg of lithium carbonate, marked PRIADEL. Also, PRIADEL LIQUID, a sugar-free solution containing 520mg of lithium citrate per 5ml.

Medical Uses

Tablets, manic depression, mania, aggressive and self-harming behaviour, recurrent bouts of depression, where other preparations have failed to help, prevention of bipolar affective disorders.

Dosage

Tablets, 400 to 1200mg as a single dose each day at first; liquid, 10 to 30ml in 2 divided daily doses at first. Dosages then adjusted to maintain a certain blood level - consult manufacturer's literature.

Special Care

Disturbed salt balance; levels of lithium in blood must be monitored along with heart, kidney and thyroid function. Patients should be advised to report symptoms of intoxication.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, underactive thyroid gland that is not being treated, Addison's disease, heart or kidney disorders.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Diazepam, metoclopramide, diuretics, flupenthixol, methyldopa, tetracyclines, phenytopin, haloperidol, NSAIDs, carbamazepine, steroids.

Known Side Effects

Trembling hands, gastrointestinal upset, disturbance of ECG and central nervous system, skin effects, muscle weakness, gain in weight, under or overactive thyroid gland, skin rashes, passing of large quantities of urine, thirstiness, oedema.

Manufacturer

Sanofi-Synthelabo.