Lithium levels are considered toxic at which value?

Lithium levels are considered toxic at which value?

• A. >0.5
• B. '>1.0'
• C. >1.5
• D. >2.0

Answer: (C)

Lithium has a very narrow therapeutic window, so small increases in the serum level can produce toxicity. The therapeutic range for mood stabilization is roughly 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Toxicity commonly begins when the level rises to about 1.5 mEq/L. At this threshold you may start to see tremors, GI symptoms, fatigue, or confusion, and symptoms become more severe as levels climb toward 2.0 mEq/L and beyond. So the value at which toxicity is considered present is just above 1.5 mEq/L. If levels are higher, urgent actions are needed, such as holding the medication, assessing hydration and renal function, and contacting the provider for management decisions.

Lithium has a very narrow therapeutic window, so small increases in the serum level can produce toxicity. The therapeutic range for mood stabilization is roughly 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Toxicity commonly begins when the level rises to about 1.5 mEq/L. At this threshold you may start to see tremors, GI symptoms, fatigue, or confusion, and symptoms become more severe as levels climb toward 2.0 mEq/L and beyond. So the value at which toxicity is considered present is just above 1.5 mEq/L. If levels are higher, urgent actions are needed, such as holding the medication, assessing hydration and renal function, and contacting the provider for management decisions.