Which of the following is NOT a common side effect of lithium?

Which of the following is NOT a common side effect of lithium?

• A. Nausea
• B. Diarrhea
• C. Excessive thirst
• D. Severe acne

Answer: (D)

Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly prescribed for conditions such as bipolar disorder. While it is effective in managing mood fluctuations, it is also associated with several side effects. Among the typical side effects of lithium are gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea, as well as increased thirst, known as polydipsia. These effects are often due to the way lithium can affect kidney function and fluid balance, leading to alterations in the body’s electrolyte levels. Severe acne, however, is not associated with lithium treatment. While some medications can exacerbate or contribute to skin conditions, in the case of lithium, dermatological side effects do not commonly include severe acne. Instead, other mood stabilizers or medications used in psychiatric treatment might be more frequently linked with skin reactions. This distinction is important for practitioners to ensure they monitor the common side effects of lithium while being aware that severe acne is not one of them.

Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly prescribed for conditions such as bipolar disorder. While it is effective in managing mood fluctuations, it is also associated with several side effects. Among the typical side effects of lithium are gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea, as well as increased thirst, known as polydipsia. These effects are often due to the way lithium can affect kidney function and fluid balance, leading to alterations in the body’s electrolyte levels.

Severe acne, however, is not associated with lithium treatment. While some medications can exacerbate or contribute to skin conditions, in the case of lithium, dermatological side effects do not commonly include severe acne. Instead, other mood stabilizers or medications used in psychiatric treatment might be more frequently linked with skin reactions. This distinction is important for practitioners to ensure they monitor the common side effects of lithium while being aware that severe acne is not one of them.