What does "weaning off lithium" mean?

[dhnga90]

Hello, Im trying to translate some paper.
In a part, there is "weaning off lithium" term, and I dont know what it means.
Im thinking of discontinuing using some kind of drug :roll:
Could you please explain that for me.
Thank you all before hand. :-D

 

[emsr2d2]

You're right. "To wean somebody/yourself off something" means to gradually stop taking/eating/drinking it. We wean a baby when we gradually change its food from milk to more solid foods. An alcoholic needs to be weaned off alcohol. Most people can't just simply stop drinking alcohol suddenly. They need to drink less and less each day until finally they have none. The same goes for drugs and lithium is a drug.

 

[Raymott]

Lithium is typically used for Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression). Occasionally it's used for other types of depression as well. That might help your understanding of the passage.

 

[Roman55]

I am not a teacher.

Lithium is a metal.
Several lithium salts are used as drugs and are commonly referred to simply as lithium. They are mood stabilizers used for people with mental illness or depression.

Weaning off something is to succeed in no longer taking something to which you have become dependent.