Can Lithium result in difficulty concentrating?

I've been on Lithium for a month and a half, and I noticed that I have a hard time concentrating. I just wanted to know if this is a common side effect. I don't want my medication altered too much, because Lithium is working wonderfully for me & no other meds helped me whatsoever. I'm on Lithium 300mg twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. It has a concentration in my blood of .9 Thanks so much in advance!

I would consider pdoc to review your meds and a pharmacist as well. Lithium therapeutic range-high end is close to your blood work. Some people do suffer a side effect of concentration problem if blood work indicates consistently higher levels than necessary.
This is why regular blood work is done. But it is best if the doc who prescribed the medications reviews your meds and you discuss the changes in your concentration. And if the program you are attending has a pharmacy service to assist in this, that would helpful as well.

Take care.

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Actually your lithium level is fine. The therapeutic range is generally considered 0.7 to 1.2 ng/dl.
In fact, research studies have shown that people with Bipolar 1 should have a level greater than 0.7, because at levels lower, there is greater chance for relapse.

Above 1.2, is when "toxic" symptoms begin to emerge such as severe nausea, vomiting, confusion, tripping over yourself. Most research shows that these side effects do NOT happen below levels of 1.2.

Of course everyone is different. Some people can even have levels higher than 1.5 and have no problems.
But if you were experiencing "toxicity" you would be really sick. Vomiting, confusion, sick stomach. You would not be able to function real well and would wind up in the doctor.

Since you just started, I would give it time. When I started on lithium, I had several symptoms that disappeared over time. I mostly remember fatigue and a tremor. I used to have a level of 0.9 for many years, but now I usually have a level of 1.1.

Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. If you start to notice more symptoms, I would call your doctor. But you are not experiencing toxicity.

I used to be on 1200mg of Lithium. The only side effect I had was when I would stand up I would get dizzy. I couldn't drive as I felt drunk. I was on it only for a short time because of these wretched side effects. I also had a tough time concentrating also.

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