Which symptom is commonly associated with lithium therapy?

• A. Drowsiness
• B. Weight loss
• C. Hypertension
• D. Insomnia

Answer: (A)

Lithium is used to stabilize mood in bipolar disorder, and a common early side effect is drowsiness. This CNS depressant effect tends to make people feel unusually tired or sluggish, especially when starting treatment or when blood levels are higher. That’s why drowsiness is the symptom most often associated with lithium therapy. Weight gain can occur with long-term use, but weight loss is not typical; hypertension isn’t a direct, common effect of lithium; and insomnia isn’t the hallmark symptom linked to its initiation. If drowsiness is present, safety considerations like avoiding driving until stabilized and staying well-hydrated to help maintain steady lithium levels are important, and any signs of toxicity (such as tremor, confusion, or ataxia) should prompt medical evaluation.