Challenging the Safety Threshold: Neurotoxicity in Bipolar Disorder Treatment with Lithium at Therapeutic Serum Levels

• DOI: 10.5152/pcp.2025.24964
• Publication Date: 2025-03-20T08:26:48Z
• Authors: Jinbo Chen; Jun Zhu; ; Hehua Bao; ; Lijuan Tang; ; Benhan Li; ; Zixuan Chen; ; Yanli Zhang; ; Qiang Hu
• Keywords: Neurotoxicity

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental that often requires long-term medication management. Lithium carbonate widely used to prevent and treat the recurrence of bipolar disorder. However, even with normal serum lithium levels, some rare but serious side effects may occur. This case report describes 42-year-old female patient who experienced "electrical shock-like" convulsions after taking sustained-release tablets, despite having concentrations. The had history emotional instability for 27 years, no obvious psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions were found upon psychiatric examination at admission. On 33rd day medication, began experience frequent rapid in head, neck, upper body. Considering possibility drug effects, was discontinued, subsequently subsided. Electroencephalogram (EEG) showed abnormalities. After 10 days treatment, essentially disappeared. reminds clinicians toxic occur, close monitoring patient's clinical manifestations levels essential. Additionally, poor diet reduced sodium intake increase risk toxicity, so these factors should also be taken into consideration.