What monitoring is essential when taking lithium?

Regular blood tests are essential when taking lithium because they help monitor the levels of the drug in the bloodstream, ensuring that they remain within the therapeutic range. Lithium has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning that there is a fine line between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose. Blood tests allow healthcare providers to adjust the dose as necessary based on the patient's response and to detect any potential toxicity early.

Additionally, monitoring through blood tests can help assess kidney function and electrolyte balance, which are crucial since lithium can affect renal function and sodium levels in the body. Therefore, regular blood tests are vital for the safe and effective management of lithium therapy. Other types of monitoring, while important for general health, do not focus directly on the specific risks associated with lithium treatment.