Eskalith

Introduction

Eskalith is a lithium‑based medication whose active ingredient is Lithium Carbonate. It is classified within the antidepressant group, although lithium is primarily recognised as a mood‑stabilising agent that reduces the frequency and severity of mood episodes. The product is manufactured by various reputable pharmaceutical companies and is authorised for use in the United Kingdom to treat mood disorders, most notably bipolar disorder and treatment‑resistant unipolar depression. In clinical practice, lithium carbonate is valued for its ability to prevent relapses and to maintain long‑term emotional stability, thereby reducing hospital admissions and improving quality of life.

What is Eskalith?

Eskalith is the generic version of the original branded product Lithobid, which contains the same active compound—Lithium Carbonate. The preparation is a solid oral tablet that delivers a precise amount of elemental lithium. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option, adhering to the same quality standards required of the branded version. The generic status does not alter the physiological action of the drug; it simply offers the medication at a lower price while maintaining identical therapeutic efficacy.

How Eskalith Works

Lithium carbonate dissociates in the gastrointestinal tract to release lithium ions (Li⁺). These monovalent cations cross cell membranes and accumulate within neuronal cells, where they modulate several intracellular signalling pathways:

• Inhibition of inositol monophosphatase – Reduces the recycling of inositol, a key second messenger involved in the regulation of neurotransmitter release.
• Modulation of glycogen synthase kinase‑3β (GSK‑3β) – Alters protein phosphorylation, influencing neuronal plasticity and resilience to stress.
• Stabilisation of serotonergic and noradrenergic transmission – Enhances the responsiveness of mood‑related circuits without directly stimulating receptors.

The net effect is a dampening of mood‑episode amplitude, a prolongation of the therapeutic window, and an elevated threshold for relapse. Lithium’s relatively long half‑life (≈ 24 hours) and narrow therapeutic index mean that steady‑state concentrations are achieved after 5–7 days of regular dosing, requiring careful monitoring of serum levels (typical range .6–1.2 mmol/L for maintenance).

Conditions Treated with Eskalith

• Bipolar disorder (type I and II). Approximately .5 % of the UK adult population is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Lithium remains the first‑line maintenance therapy recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) because it reduces the risk of mania, depression, and mixed episodes more effectively than most alternative agents.
• Treatment‑resistant unipolar depression. In a minority of patients, especially those with recurrent depressive episodes, lithium augmentation of standard antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs) has demonstrated higher remission rates, as supported by meta‑analyses in the Cochrane database.
• Schizoaffective disorder (affective component). Lithium can be adjunctive to antipsychotics to control mood cycling in this complex diagnosis, though this indication is less common and relies on specialist assessment.

Who is Eskalith For?

Eskalith is most appropriate for adults who:

• Have a confirmed diagnosis of bipolar disorder needing long‑term mood stabilisation.
• Have experienced two or more depressive episodes despite conventional antidepressant therapy, where lithium augmentation is clinically justified.
• Possess adequate renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥ 60 mL/min) and thyroid status, as lithium is principally excreted unchanged by the kidneys.

Conversely, Eskalith is not suitable for:

• Pregnant or lactating women, due to potential fetal toxicity.
• Patients with severe renal impairment, cardiovascular disease with unstable arrhythmia, or known hypersensitivity to lithium salts.
• Individuals on a high‑dose thiazide or loop diuretic regimen without appropriate electrolyte monitoring, because these drugs can precipitate lithium toxicity.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common adverse events

• Tremor – fine motor shaking, often dose‑related and manageable by dose reduction.
• Polyuria and polydipsia – increased thirst and urination, reflecting lithium‑mediated renal handling.
• Gastrointestinal discomfort – nausea, mild diarrhoea, especially after dose initiation.

Rare adverse events

• Hyperthyroidism – lithium can affect thyroid hormone synthesis; periodic thyroid function tests are advised.
• Weight gain – modest increase in body mass index, usually secondary to metabolic changes.

Serious adverse events

• Lithium toxicity – characterised by severe tremor, ataxia, confusion, seizures, cardiac arrhythmia, and renal failure. Serum lithium > 1.5 mmol/L markedly raises risk.
• Nephrotoxicity – chronic interstitial nephritis and reduced creatinine clearance after long‑term exposure.
• Hypothyroidism – may require levothyroxine replacement.

Clinically relevant drug–drug interactions

• Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – decrease renal lithium clearance, increasing serum concentrations.
• Thiazide or loop diuretics – potentiate lithium re‑absorption, raising toxicity risk.
• Angiotensin‑converting‑enzyme (ACE) inhibitors – may cause additive effects on renal function.
• Calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil) – can increase lithium levels modestly.
• Clozapine and other antipsychotics – combined use warrants close monitoring for additive central nervous system depression.

Patients should disclose all current medications, including over‑the‑counter products and herbal supplements, to avoid harmful interactions.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard dosing. Initial adult dosing typically starts at 300 mg elemental lithium (≈ 600 mg lithium carbonate) once daily, titrated upward by 300 mg increments every 5‑7 days until the target serum concentration (.6‑1.2 mmol/L) is achieved. The usual maintenance range is 900‑180 mg elemental lithium per day, divided into two or three doses.
• Missed dose. If a single dose is forgotten, ingest the dose as soon as the patient remembers, unless it is within 2 hours of the next scheduled dose—then omit the missed dose and continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
• Overdose. Immediate medical attention is required. Early signs include severe tremor, vomiting, and confusion. Management involves i.v. fluids, electrolyte correction, and, in severe cases, hemodialysis to clear lithium. Patients should retain the emergency contact number for the nearest NHS 24‑hour service.

Precautions – Li⁺ absorption is reduced with high‑sodium diets; patients should maintain consistent salt intake and avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, both of which may alter lithium levels. Concomitant illnesses that cause dehydration (e.g., diarrhoea, vomiting) demand temporary dose reduction and close monitoring.

Buying Eskalith from Our Online Pharmacy

Eskalith can be purchased directly from our online pharmacy in the UK. The service is built on three core advantages:

• Affordable pricing – Generic lithium carbonate tablets are sourced at near‑manufacturer cost, translating into lower out‑of‑pocket expenses for patients.
• Verified quality – All stock originates from fully licensed overseas suppliers that fulfil the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) standards for purity, potency, and packaging.
• Guaranteed delivery – Discreet, reliable shipping is offered either via express service (7 days) or regular airmail (approximately 3 weeks).

Our platform operates as a pharmacy‑broker service, collaborating with overseas licensed pharmacies and verified suppliers. This model enables a discreet service that respects patient privacy, while still observing the legal import requirements for personal use of prescription medicines. For patients who encounter barriers to obtaining lithium through local pharmacies—whether due to limited stock, insurance restrictions, or geographical constraints—our online pharmacy presents a safe, cost‑efficient pathway to treatment continuity.

FAQ

• **Is Eskalith available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
  Yes. The original branded product is marketed as Eskalith (or Lithobid in some territories). Generic tablets containing Lithium Carbonate are produced by multiple manufacturers and are sold at a lower price while delivering the same therapeutic effect.

• **How should Eskalith tablets be stored to preserve potency?
  Store the tablets at a stable room temperature (below 25 °C), away from direct light, moisture, and heat sources. Do not keep them in a bathroom cabinet where humidity fluctuates, as excess moisture can degrade the lithium salt.

• **Can I travel internationally with Eskalith, and are there any customs considerations?
  When travelling, keep the medication in its original labelled packaging and carry a copy of the prescription or a letter from a UK clinician. For personal import into the UK, possession of a valid prescription is required; otherwise, the medication may be seized by customs authorities.

• **What do the tablets of Eskalith look like, and how can I identify them?
  The tablets are typically round, film‑coated, and white to off‑white. They are imprinted with “LITHIUM CARB” and the strength (e.g., 300 mg). Inactive ingredients often include lactose, magnesium stearate, and silica, but variations exist between manufacturers.

• **Is there a need for regular blood‑test monitoring while using Eskalith?
  Yes. Because lithium has a narrow therapeutic index, serum lithium is measured after dose stabilization (usually 5‑7 days) and subsequently every 3‑6 months. Routine renal and thyroid function tests are also recommended to detect early organ toxicity.

• **Does Eskalith interact with common over‑the‑counter pain relievers?
  Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can reduce renal clearance of lithium, potentially raising serum levels. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) does not have a clinically significant interaction and is generally safe.

• **Are there specific warnings for older adults using Eskalith?
  In patients over 65 years, renal function often declines, increasing the risk of lithium accumulation. Initiating therapy at a lower dose and monitoring renal indices more frequently (every 3 months) is advised.

• **What is the shelf life of Eskalith tablets, and can I extend it by resealing?
  Unopened packs typically have a shelf life of 36 months from the date of manufacture. Once the blister pack is opened, the tablets should be used within 6 months, and the original packaging should be retained to protect against moisture and light.

• **Does the formulation of Eskalith differ between the EU and the US markets?
  While the active ingredient remains Lithium Carbonate, excipients can differ. For instance, some EU formulations avoid lactose, catering to patients with intolerance, whereas US versions may contain it. These differences can affect tablet size and disintegration time but not the core efficacy.

• **Can Eskalith be used for off‑label indications such as aggression in neurological disorders?
  There is limited evidence suggesting lithium may reduce impulsivity and aggression in certain neuropsychiatric conditions, but such use remains off‑label and should only be considered under specialist supervision, with appropriate risk‑benefit assessment.

• **What are the legal implications of importing Eskalith for personal use?
  In the United Kingdom, personal import of prescription medication is permissible when the product is for a legitimate medical need, the patient holds a valid UK prescription, and the quantity does not exceed a three‑month supply. Importers must comply with MHRA guidelines and may be subject to customs duties if the medicine is classified as a controlled substance.

• **Does exposure to high‑temperature environments, such as a sauna, affect lithium levels?
  Elevated ambient temperatures can increase fluid loss through sweating, potentially raising lithium concentration if fluid intake is not maintained. Patients should hydrate adequately and may require temporary dose adjustment under medical guidance during prolonged heat exposure.

Glossary

Therapeutic window

The concentration range of a drug in the blood that provides optimal efficacy while minimising toxicity. For lithium, this is usually .6 – 1.2 mmol/L.

Serum lithium concentration

The amount of lithium measured in a blood sample, expressed in mmol per liter, used to monitor treatment safety and adequacy.

Nephrotoxicity

Damage to the kidneys caused by a medication, which can manifest as reduced glomerular filtration rate or chronic interstitial nephritis.

Polyuria

Excessive production of urine, often resulting from lithium‑induced renal concentrating defects, leading to increased thirst and fluid loss.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Eskalith is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Eskalith for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.