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Lithium

Brand names: Lithobid

Lithium is a mood stabilizer that treats and prevents mania and depression in bipolar disorder. It also lowers suicide risk.

Brand namesLithobid
Type of medicineMood stabilizer
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

The safe range is narrow, so regular blood tests check the level, plus kidney and thyroid function.

What it's used for

  • Bipolar disorder (mania and long-term prevention)

How to take it

  • Take it the same way each day, with food or right after a meal.
  • Drink plenty of fluids and keep your salt intake steady.
  • Keep all blood test appointments.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Hand tremor
  • Thirst and peeing a lot
  • Nausea or diarrhea
  • Weight gain
Call 911Signs of lithium toxicity: vomiting, diarrhea, severe shakiness, unsteady walking, confusion, slurred speech, or very sleepy
Call 911Fainting or a slow or irregular heartbeat
Call your provider todayVomiting, diarrhea, fever, or heavy sweating (these can raise lithium levels)
Call your provider todayFeeling cold, tired, and gaining weight (low thyroid)

Warnings

  • Boxed warning: lithium toxicity can happen at levels close to the treatment dose.
  • Dehydration, illness, and low-salt diets raise levels.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and water pills raise lithium levels. Ask before taking any of these.
  • Large changes in caffeine can change levels.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider before pregnancy. Lithium can affect the baby's heart, but stopping it can cause relapse. Levels need close checking.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.