Which of the following is a common Lithium side effect?

• A. Nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, fine hand tremor
• B. Hair loss
• C. Weight gain only
• D. Hypoglycemia

Answer: (A)

Lithium’s most common early side effects are gastrointestinal and neuromuscular. Nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, and a fine hand tremor are classic, non-severe adverse effects frequently seen when starting lithium or adjusting the dose. These symptoms reflect how lithium can irritate the GI tract and affect smooth muscle and neural pathways that control movement, leading to that delicate tremor. Hair loss and hypoglycemia aren’t typical lithium-related effects. Weight gain can occur with ongoing treatment, but it doesn’t capture the most characteristic early complaints like the GI upset and tremor. So the combination of nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, and a fine hand tremor best represents common lithium side effects.