Important roles for the community pharmacy team are:

• Knowing the interactions of the medications used in bipolar disorder, especially lithium 
• Knowing the signs of lithium toxicity
• Checking lithium booklets are complete and counselling on any signs of toxicity
• Counselling on the use of medication, including standby medication for mania (especially insomnia) or depressive symptoms
• Informing patients about the importance of adherence with medication 
• Giving advice on side-effects and how to minimise or treat them  
• Monitoring physical health and providing lifestyle advice – particularly smoking cessation.

Reflective exercise

How can you use a patient’s lithium record and patient information booklet to help them understand more about their treatment and the importance of adherence?