An average beginning dose is about 300 milligrams 2 to 4 times a day. Blood measuring should be done twice weekly for the first 2 weeks, once a week for the next 3 or 4 weeks, at 2 week intervals for the next 2 months, then monthly. The best time to draw the blood is 12 hours after the patient has taken his last dose. For patients who object to having blood drawn, there is a way of checking the lithium via saliva. They are common during the early weeks, but usually diminish with time.
Tremors are less likely if the dose is increased slowly, rather than rapidly.
They may be diminished if the patient takes smaller doses several times a day. The use of Lithobid, may also reduce the severity of tremors. Patients with kidney disease should not be given lithium. Midamor, twice a day, can reduce the urine problem. To prevent kidney damage, patients should be maintained on the lowest effective dose.