Lithium salt (also called a mood-stabilizing agent) of Carbonate is the main active ingredient in the Licab XL 400 mg drug. This drug is a widely accepted medication for treating bipolar disorder, maintaining mania (manic depression) and preventing recurrent depression in adults. Licab XL is also sometimes prescribed to treat behavioral disorders like aggression and intentional self-harm. The drug effectively reduces manic episodes' frequency and intensity that might occur.

Lithium plays a major role in interfering with and blocking the activity of ion transporters like sodium pumps that transmit signals to brain cells. This drug is functionally a potent inhibitor of protein kinase C that amplifies the signals received by brain cells.

Working of Licab in:

Mania – A patient suffering from extreme excitement or elevated mood. Licab relaxes nerves and calms mood, preventing recurring mania symptoms. This medicine offers Mania patients a better social life and the ability to perform daily core comfortably.

Bipolar disorder – Licab restores the balanced nerve activity of your brain. It prevents extreme mood changes and helps you feel less agitated.

The medicine can take several weeks to work; keep taking it even if you feel better. You may be asked to continue this medicine for altleast 6 months or possibly much longer. The dose should be adjusted per the patient's response towards the drug under the supervision of your doctor. Report to your doctor after a regular time interval of 3 to 4 weeks. Take a good diet and exercise daily to experience the results faster.

Licab XL is an oral medication that should be taken with a glass of water after a meal. Do not chew, crush or break the tablet, as doing this can lead to reducing its efficacy. Take medicine at the same time each day to avoid missing the dose. It also helps the body to maintain a consistent level of medicine when you take it at the same time daily.

    — Mention all medication to your doctor that you are taking. Lithium Carbonate drug has been reported to cause severe hypersensitive reactions in some cases

    — If a patient has to undergo surgery, inform your doctor beforehand. Anaesthesia can cause hypotension and interfere with the working of this drug.

    — Avoid consuming Lithium Carbonate drugs before taking any laboratory tests. This drug contains some water-soluble constituents that can increase serum plasma levels.

    — In case you have renal disorders or if you have diabetes please, do inform your doctor before consuming this medicine.

Contraindications:

Lithium Carbonate drug is reported to contraindicate in the following cases:

    — Allergic reactions

    — Dehydration

    — Patients taking diuretics

    — Low plasma ion concentrations like sodium, potassium ion

    — Renal disorder

    — Cardiovascular disorder

Several drugs are reported to interact with the lithium carbonate drug's working. These drugs include phenytoin, quinine, bromocriptine, amiodarone, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, haloperidol, sodium chloride drugs, sotalol, cyclobenzaprine, disopyramide, mifepristone, iodine drugs, fluconazole, topiramate, tryptophan-containing drugs, methyldopa, methyldopa, verapamil.

Licab XL may cause side effects such as dizziness, tremors, slurred speech, body pain, uncoordinated body movements, acne, increased white blood cell count, weight gain, hair loss, goiter, increased thirst, polyuria, and diarrhea.