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Introduction About LICAB XL 400MG TABLET
LICAB XL 400MG TABLET contains Lithium Carbonate, which belongs to the group of medicines called Anti-manic agents. It is used in the management of depression. LICAB XL 400MG TABLET is also used to manage or control hypomania (a less severe form of mania) and aggressive or self-harming behaviour.
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. It causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.
Prior to LICAB XL 400MG TABLET management, your doctor may check on your kidneys, thyroid, and heart to avoid any untoward side effects. LICAB XL 400MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with kidney, thyroid, and heart problems or if you have Addison’s disease.
Before taking LICAB XL 400MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you have epilepsy, persistent headaches, a cold or flu, gastroenteritis, or if you have had or are about to have any weight loss surgery. LICAB XL 400MG TABLET is not suitable for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
LICAB XL 400MG TABLET is not recommended for use with children. Consult your child’s doctor for advice. LICAB XL 400MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients over 65 years of age. The most common side effects of taking LICAB XL 400MG TABLET are hand trembling, excessive urination, increased thirst, nausea, and general discomfort during the beginning of the management. Contact your doctor if the side effects persist for a long time.
Uses Of LICAB XL 400MG TABLET
- Used to manage depression
How LICAB XL 400MG TABLET Works
LICAB XL 400MG TABLET works by stabilizing the levels of chemicals in your brain that influence your mood.
How to use LICAB XL 400MG TABLET
Take LICAB XL 400MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow this medicine, do not crush or chew. Your doctor will decide the right dose and duration for you depending on your age, body weight, and disease condition. Do not stop taking LICAB XL 400MG TABLET unless your doctor advises you to stop.
Side Effects Of LICAB XL 400MG TABLET
Common
- hand trembling
- excessive urination
- increased thirst
- nausea
- general discomfort (beginning of management)
- dizziness
- rash
- difficulty walking
- decreased appetite
- vomiting
- blurred vision
Stop taking LICAB XL 400MG TABLET and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- changes in heart rhythm like a slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
- fever, confusion, agitation, shaking, and abrupt contractions of muscles
- neuroleptic malignant syndrome (fever with rigid muscles, agitation, confusion, sweating, or jerky muscle movements)
- continuous headaches and/or visual disturbances
- rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscles leading to kidney problems)
- serious disturbance in mental abilities that results in confusion and reduced awareness of the environment
- abnormal heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, muscle weakness or twitching, blurred vision, clumsiness, ringing in your ears
- low blood sodium levels (excessive sweating, diarrhea)
- Brugada Syndrome (feeling abnormal heartbeats)
- increased pressure in the brain and swelling in the eye (severe headaches behind your eyes, ringing in the ears, blurred or double vision, brief periods of blindness)
- allergic reaction (rash, trouble swallowing or breathing, swollen lips, face, throat, or tongue)
- cloudy or foamy urine
- feeling dazed, delirious, or loss of consciousness
- memory problems
- fits or seizures
- involuntary eye movements
- benign or malignant kidney tumours in long-term management (microcysts, oncocytomas, or collecting duct renal carcinoma)
- lichenoid drug reaction (eruption of the skin or mucous membranes)
- hyperthyroidism (fast heartbeat, sweating, stress, increased appetite, weight loss, weakness, heat intolerance)
- hypothyroidism (tiredness, cold skin, dry hair, thinning of hair or fingernails, hoarse voice, joint or muscle pain, weight gain)
- hyperparathyroidism (increased thirst and urination, tiredness, depression, muscle aches or pains, bone or joint pain, upset stomach)
- gastritis (indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, black tarry faeces, bloody stools, blood or dark bits in your vomit)
- peripheral neuropathy (numbness, weakness, and pain in the arms and legs)
How To Manage Side Effects

Dizziness Or Drowsiness
Lie down until the dizziness is resolved, then get up slowly. Do not hurry, and move slowly and carefully. Get adequate rest. Drink plenty of water and other fluids. Avoid coffee, cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. If dizziness does not get better, consult your doctor.

Loss Of Appetite
Eat when you are hungry. Eat smaller meals more often than usual. Snack only when you are hungry. Eat a protein-rich or other nutritious snack, such as dried fruit and nuts. If your appetite does not improve, contact your doctor.

Nausea And Vomiting
Take LICAB XL 400MG TABLET with, or just after, meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy foods, sugary snacks, and aerated drinks. Avoid drinking too much liquid along with or before your meals, drink slowly in between meals. If nausea or vomiting does not get better, contact your doctor.

Skin rash Or Itching
Avoid hot showers because hot water can further irritate your skin. Do not scratch the affected area. Use protective clothing when going outdoors. Regularly moisturize your skin. Consult your doctor if your skin rash gets worse.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
ContraindicatedLICAB XL 400MG TABLET is not recommended if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Consult your doctor for advice.

Breastfeeding
ContraindicatedLICAB XL 400MG TABLET is not recommended if you are breast-feeding. Consult your doctor for advice.

Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionDo not drive or operate any tools or machines, as LICAB XL 400MG TABLET may cause dizziness or other nervous disorders, sleepiness, tiredness, numbness, paralysis, weakness, or fits.

Kidney
ContraindicatedLICAB XL 400MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with severe kidney disease. If patients with mild or moderate renal impairment are being managed with LICAB XL 400MG TABLET, serum levels should be closely monitored. Consult your doctor for advice.

Allergy
ContraindicatedDo not take LICAB XL 400MG TABLET if you are allergic to Lithium, or any of the other ingredients in this medicine.

Lungs
Use with CautionLICAB XL 400MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with breathing problems. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Heart Disease
Consult your doctorLICAB XL 400MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with an irregular heartbeat or Brugada syndrome. LICAB XL 400MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with other heart diseases. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Use In Pediatrics
ContraindicatedLICAB XL 400MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children. Consult your child’s doctor for advice.

Use In Geriatrics
Use with CautionLICAB XL 400MG TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients (above 65 years of age), especially those with decreased liver, kidney, or heart function. Consult your doctor for advice.
Others
LICAB XL 400MG TABLET is not recommended for use if you:
- have an uncontrollable hypothyroidism
- have low sodium levels in the body
- have Addison’s disease
- want to go on any kind of diet
Before taking LICAB XL 400MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you:
- have epilepsy (fits)
- have continuous headaches with or without visual disturbances
- have low levels of potassium, magnesium, and calcium in your blood
- recently had or is going to have weight loss surgery
- have cold
- have gastroenteritis
- are not eating or drinking properly
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking LICAB XL 400MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- medicines used to manage bacterial infections (Ex. tetracyclines, metronidazole, parfloxacin, co-trimoxazole, trimethoprim, spectinomycin, and erythromycin)
- medicines used to manage pain and rheumatism (Ex. celecoxib, indomethacin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, and aspirin)
- medicines used to manage heart problems, high or low blood pressure, or irregular heart rhythm (Ex. ramipril, lisinopril, losartan, irbesartan, empagliflozin, quinidine, procainamide, disopyramide, amiodarone, ajmaline, cibenzoline, hydroquinidine, azimilide, dofetilide, ibutilide, sotalol, methyldopa, amlodipine, diltiazem, ketanserin)
- ranolazine (used for angina)
- medicines used to manage allergies or inflammation (Ex. prednisolone, betamethasone, hydrocortisone)
- furosemide, chlortalidone, indapamide, spironolactone, and acetazolamide (used to promote salt and water excretion from the body)
- theophylline (used to manage asthma)
- caffeine (CNS stimulant)
- sodium bicarbonate (used to relieve heartburn)
- medicines used to manage schizophrenia and other behavioural disorders (Ex. haloperidol, olanzapine, clozapine, amisulpride, pimozide, sertindole, mesoridazine, clozaril, droperidol, and thioridazine)
- medicines used to manage epilepsy (Ex. clonazepam, carbamazepine, and phenytoin)
- medicines used to manage depression (Ex. fluoxetine, paroxetine, and amitriptyline)
- muscle relaxants used in anaesthesia (Ex. pancuronium)
- sumatriptan (a medicine used to manage migraines)
- arsenic trioxide (used to manage leukemia)
- cisapride (used to manage stomach and bowel problems)
- medicines used to manage malaria (Ex. halofantrine, mefloquine, and artemisinin)
- dolasetron (used to manage nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy)
- medicines used to manage allergies (Ex. terfenadine, astemizole)
- calcitonin (used to manage high blood calcium levels and acute bone loss)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of LICAB XL 400MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of an overdose are stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision, excess urination, lightheadedness, shaking, muscle twitching or weakness, drowsiness, and feeling very tired.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Lithium Carbonate |
Pharmacological Category | : | Mood stabilizer |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Depression |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Capsule |
More Information
- Keep LICAB XL 400MG TABLET out of reach of children
- Store LICAB XL 400MG TABLET below 25°C
FAQs About LICAB XL 400MG TABLET
Q: Can LICAB XL 400MG TABLET be used to manage depression?
A: Yes. LICAB XL 400MG TABLET is used to manage depression. LICAB XL 400MG TABLET is also used to manage or control hypomania (a less severe form of mania) and aggressive or self-harming behaviour.
Q: Can LICAB XL 400MG TABLET be given to children?
A: LICAB XL 400MG TABLET is not recommended for use with children. Consult your child’s doctor for advice.
Q: Can I take painkillers along with the LICAB XL 400MG TABLET?
A: LICAB XL 400MG TABLET is not advisable to take painkillers like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ex. celecoxib, indomethacin, diclofenac, and ibuprofen) along with LICAB XL 400MG TABLET as it may increase the amount of medicine in the body, causing side effects. Consult your doctor before taking any other medicines with LICAB XL 400MG TABLET.
Q: Can LICAB XL 400MG TABLET cause headaches?
A: Yes. Headache is a possible side effect of LICAB XL 400MG TABLET. In such a case, drink plenty of water and get adequate rest. Try to be relaxed and stress-free. Check with your doctor before taking any medicine for a headache. Stop taking LICAB XL 400MG TABLET and consult your doctor immediately if you experience continuous headaches with visual disturbances.
Q: What are the side effects of taking LICAB XL 400MG TABLET?
A: The most common side effects of taking LICAB XL 400MG TABLET are hand trembling, excessive urination, increased thirst, nausea, and general discomfort during the beginning of the management, dizziness, rash, difficulty walking, decreased appetite, vomiting, and blurred vision. Contact your doctor if the side effects persist for a long time.
References
1. KD. Tripathi. Drugs Affecting Renin Angiotensin System. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Eighth edition. 2019. Page – 474.
2. Rodrigo Machado-Vieira, Husseini K Manji, Carlos A Zarate Jr. The role of lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorder: convergent evidence for neurotrophic effects as a unifying hypothesis. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubMed Central. June 2009. [Accessed on 13th February 2024] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2800957/
3. Krutika Chokhawala, Sarah Lee, Abdolreza Saadabadi. Lithium. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubMed Central. May 2022. [Accessed on 13th February 2024] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519062/
4. Delpharm L’Aigle. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in July 2022] [Accessed on 13th February 2024] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10828.pdf
5. Wasdell Packaging Limited. Norgine Ltd. Hengoed. Delpharm L’Aigle. Delpharm Dijon. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in July 2022] [Accessed on 13th February 2024] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10829.pdf
6. Delpharm Dijon. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in July 2022] [Accessed on 13th February 2024] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13162.pdf
7. West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corp. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in December 2018] [Accessed on 13th February 2024] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/017812s033,018421s032,018558s027lbl.pdf
8. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., LITHIUM CARBONATE ER- lithium carbonate tablet. Dailymed.com. [Revised in December 2019] [Accessed on 13th February 2024] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=525a9d9b-cbb1-4644-a28a-8bba96f09348&type=display
9. Torrent Pharmaceuticals. [Revised in Feb 2022] [Accessed on 13th February 2024] https://www.torrentian.com/pisheet/Search.aspx
Useful Diagnostic Tests
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