What could occur if Lithium levels exceed 3.5 mEq/L?

If lithium levels exceed 3.5 mEq/L, the situation can lead to potential lethal toxicity. Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, and maintaining therapeutic levels is crucial for safety and efficacy. At extremely high levels, lithium can cause a range of serious health problems, including confusion, severe tremors, ataxia, seizures, and in extreme cases, respiratory failure and death.

The body's ability to handle lithium diminishes at these elevated levels, significantly increasing the risk of toxic side effects. Regular monitoring of lithium levels is essential for patients taking this medication to avoid such dangerous outcomes. Understanding the narrow therapeutic range of lithium is critical in managing patients effectively and avoiding severe complications associated with toxicity.