ABSTRACT
Ten adult male manic-depressive patients were treated with lithium carbonate in a dose of 400 mg twice daily [in the form of tablets of controlled release formulations] for a period of one year. Biochemical estimation of the levels of the macrominerals [sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium] and microminerals [zinc and copper] before and after one year of treatment with lithium carbonate showed significant decrease in the level of serum sodium [P <0.01] and nonsignificant decrease in the level of serum zinc [P >0.05]. A significant increase in the levels of serum potassium, magnesium [P <0.01] and copper [P <0.001] were detected. Serum calcium level showed nonsignificant increase [P >0.05]. Therefore, lithium therapy should be given under strict medical supervision and serum concentrations of lithium should be monitored at regular periods of medical treatment. Lithium therapy should also be avoided in patients with impaired hepatic and renal functions and manic-depressive patients maintained on lithium therapy should avoid the intake of low salt dietary regimens as it will enhance lithium toxicity