TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Lithium A1 - Bauer, Larry A. PY - 2015 T2 - Applied Clinical Pharmacokinetics, 3e AB - Lithium is an alkali metal that is administered as a monovalent cation (Li+) for the treatment of bipolar disorder. In the United States, orally administered carbonate and citrate salts of lithium are available. While lithium is still used as a primary mood stabilizer for bipolar disorders, valproic acid, carbamazepine, or lamotrigine are also reasonable choices.1,2 Although this drug has been used in psychiatric medicine since the 1940s, the mechanism of action of lithium is largely unknown. Among the current theories are competition with other cations at receptor and tissue sites, dopamine-receptor supersensitivity blockage, decreased stimulation of β-receptor–induced adenylate cyclase, and enhanced sensitivity to serotonin (5-HT), acetylcholine, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA).1,2 SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Medical CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/28 UR - accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1106304556 ER -