Product introduction
Licab XL Tablet contains lithium carbonate 400mg in an extended-release form. It is a mood stabiliser used to treat episodes of mania and to prevent mood swings in bipolar disorder. Because the tablet releases the drug slowly, it is usually taken once or twice a day.
Storage: Store below 25°C, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Uses of Licab XL Tablet
- Mania.
- Bipolar disorder (long-term mood stabilisation).
Benefits of Licab XL Tablet
Lithium helps settle the high energy, restlessness and impulsive behaviour seen in mania and reduces how often mood episodes return. Over months of regular use it supports steadier mood and day-to-day functioning, provided blood levels are monitored.
Side effects of Licab XL Tablet
Most side effects do not require medical attention and go away as your body adjusts. Consult your doctor if they persist.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Hand tremors.
- Increased urination.
- Increased thirst.
- Blurred vision.
- Tiredness.
- Dizziness.
- Reduced appetite.
- Skin rash or dermatitis.
- Abnormal voluntary movements or unsteady walking.
- Overactive thyroid.
How to use Licab XL Tablet
Swallow the tablet whole with water, preferably after food to lessen stomach upset. Do not crush or chew it, since that defeats the slow-release design. Take it at the same times each day as your doctor directs.
How Licab XL Tablet works
Lithium calms the abnormal and excessive activity of nerve cells in the brain. This evens out the swings between high and low mood that characterise bipolar disorder.
Substitutes for Licab XL Tablet
No other medicine with the same composition is listed in our catalogue yet. Message us on WhatsApp and our pharmacist will help you find a suitable alternative.
Safety advice
It is not known whether alcohol is safe with this medicine. Alcohol may worsen drowsiness and dizziness, so check with your doctor.
Not generally recommended because animal studies show a risk to the baby. A doctor may still prescribe it when the benefits outweigh the risks, so speak to your doctor before planning or continuing a pregnancy.
Lithium passes into breast milk and may cause toxicity in the infant. Discuss alternatives with your doctor.
It can impair alertness and vision and cause drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid driving until you know how it affects you.
Use with caution in severe kidney disease, as lithium is cleared by the kidneys. The dose may need adjusting.
Limited data suggest no dose adjustment is needed in liver disease, but use it only as directed by your doctor.
Quick tips
- Keep up regular blood tests for lithium level, kidney and thyroid function as your doctor advises.
- Drink adequate water through the day and avoid sudden heavy sweating or dehydration, as these can raise lithium levels.
- Keep your salt intake steady, because large changes can alter how much lithium stays in the body.
- Seek medical help at once if you develop severe vomiting, diarrhoea, marked tremor, confusion or unsteady walking.
- Do not stop or change the dose without your doctor's advice.
Fact box
| Chemical class | Organic carbonic acids |
|---|---|
| Habit forming | No |
| Therapeutic class | Neuro CNS |
| Action class | Mood Stabilizers |
Frequently asked questions
What is Licab XL Tablet used for?
It is used to treat mania and to prevent mood episodes in people with bipolar disorder.
Why are blood tests needed with lithium?
The safe dose range is narrow. Regular tests check that the level is high enough to work but not so high that it becomes toxic, and also monitor kidney and thyroid health.
Can I crush or chew the tablet?
No. It is an extended-release tablet and should be swallowed whole so the drug is released slowly.
What are signs of too much lithium?
Severe vomiting or diarrhoea, coarse tremor, slurred speech, confusion and unsteadiness. Get medical help immediately if these occur.
Is it habit forming?
No, lithium is not habit forming.