Which of the following can happen if Lithium levels are too high?

When lithium levels are too high, a range of serious side effects can occur, which include seizures, flu-like symptoms, and muscle pain among others.

Seizures are a critical concern because elevated lithium can lead to neurotoxicity, affecting the brain and leading to convulsions. Flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, and malaise, can arise as part of the body’s response to toxicity and can signal that the lithium levels are beyond therapeutic ranges. Additionally, muscle pain can be associated with elevated lithium levels as it may cause muscle weakness and discomfort due to its effects on electrolyte balance and neuromuscular function.

Recognizing that all these symptoms can occur together emphasizes the importance of monitoring lithium levels closely and highlights the potential risks of lithium therapy if not managed properly. Therefore, the presence of all these symptoms underlines the need for cautious use and regular testing when patients are on lithium treatment.