Mental Health Department, Clacton and District Hospital, Clacton on Sea, Essex, UK. cdcarmaciu@aol.com
OBJECTIVES: To highlight and discuss thyrotoxicosis after lithium withdrawal as a potential complication of lithium therapy for bipolar disorder. CASE REPORTS: Both patients presented developed thyrotoxicosis, the first patient after stopping the lithium completely, and the second patient after a reduction in the lithium dose. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of thyrotoxicosis emerging when lithium is being completely or partially withdrawn. Such withdrawal could unmask a latent hyperthyroidism.