A new patient information booklet on lithium therapy, which is also aimed at healthcare professionals, has been launched.

Lithium is a mood stabiliser that is prescribed to treat mood disorders. It is specifically used as a treatment for bipolar disorder and more severe depression. It is thought that at least 10,000 people are prescribed lithium every year in Ireland. 

The aim of the booklet is to promote safer lithium therapy and empower patients to engage more with healthcare professionals on all aspects of their treatment, including potential side-effects.

It contains important safety and clinical information, as well as a means of recording essential information on lithium levels and blood test results. Additional information is also provided on different lithium products on the market, as well how to recognise signs of lithium toxicity.

The booklet has been produced by Audrey Purcell, pharmacy dispensary services manager at Saint John of God Hospital, in conjunction with Prof Dolores Keating, head of pharmacy at Saint John of God Hospital, and the Saint John of God Hospital drug and therapeutics committee.

It was launched in conjunction with the HSE National Medication Safety Programme and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU).

According to the CEO of Saint John of God Hospital, Emma Balmaine, this is a “timely publication on an important public health issue”.

“Llithium is a highly effective therapy in treatment of more severe depression and bipolar disorder but requires ongoing close medical supervision and ongoing monitoring and patient education. This initiative will have real and practical benefits for those who need lithium therapy,” she commented.

Meanwhile, according to Jonathon Morrissey, chair of the IPU’s community pharmacy committee, the contents of the booklet will be an “invaluable tool” for community pharmacists to support and educate patients on the safe use of lithium.

The booklet has been reviewed and approved by the HSE Clinical Lead on the National Medication Safety Programme, Ciara Kirke, and has also been endorsed by the Irish Medication Safety Network and the College of Psychiatrists.

It is being distributed by the HSE directly to hospital pharmacies and by the IPU to community pharmacies throughout the month of September. GPs can direct patients towards community pharmacists to avail of the booklet or it can be viewed online here.