What is the maintenance level dosage of lithium carbonate for a patient discharged for bipolar disorder?

The maintenance level dosage of lithium carbonate for a patient with bipolar disorder typically falls in the range of 300mg to 600mg per day. Lithium is used to manage mood stabilizing effects, and after the acute phase of treatment, the maintenance dosage is crucial to prevent relapses.

A dosage of 300mg taken three times a day (t.i.d.) or four times a day (q.i.d.) is commonly recognized as effective for sustaining therapeutic lithium levels in the body while minimizing side effects. This particular dosage helps maintain a serum lithium concentration that effectively stabilizes mood without crossing into toxicity, which could occur with higher dosages.

Higher dosages, such as 400mg or 600mg t.i.d. or q.i.d., are generally not necessary for maintenance once the patient is stabilized. Therefore, the choice of 300mg as the maintenance dosage aligns with standard clinical practices for managing bipolar disorder effectively.