A Review of the Hematologic Side Effects of Lithium
Rudra Prakash M.D.1
1 Tennessee Neuropsychiatric Institute and Vanderbilt University, 1501 Murfreesboro Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37217
Hematologic side effects of lithium occur infrequently in contrast with lithium' other side effects. Because of the potential severity of some of these effects, however, complete blood counts should be obtained before lithium treatment is started, and counts should be repeated during the first month of treatment. Any unusual signs of bleeding, fatigue, or illness suggest the need for another complete blood count. Fortunately leukocytosis, lithium' most common hematologic side effect, may actually have therapeutic potential.
