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Sialorrhea as a side effect of lithium: a case report
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|October 1, 1982
Summary
Lithium carbonate treatment can cause sialorrhea (drooling) and salivary gland enlargement. Discontinuing lithium and using propantheline bromide can effectively manage these side effects.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Lithium carbonate is a widely prescribed mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder.
- Sialorrhea, or excessive drooling, is a potential adverse effect of various medications.
- Salivary gland enlargement is a less common but recognized side effect associated with lithium therapy.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old male patient experienced significant sialorrhea during lithium carbonate treatment.
- The patient also exhibited noticeable salivary gland enlargement concurrent with the sialorrhea.
- Symptoms of sialorrhea and gland enlargement resolved upon cessation of lithium therapy.
Findings:
- Lithium carbonate directly contributed to the development of sialorrhea and salivary gland enlargement in this patient.
- Discontinuation of lithium carbonate led to the complete reversal of the observed side effects.
- Symptomatic relief from sialorrhea was achieved with the administration of propantheline bromide.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of monitoring for sialorrhea and salivary gland enlargement in patients on lithium therapy.
- Clinicians should consider lithium carbonate as a potential cause of drug-induced sialorrhea.
- Propantheline bromide may be a viable therapeutic option for managing lithium-induced sialorrhea.
