Handouts · Medications
Lithium
A gold-standard mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder that also lowers suicide risk. It works well but needs regular blood tests to stay in a safe range.
What It Is
Lithium is one of the most effective treatments for bipolar disorder and is unique in lowering the risk of suicide.
It has a narrow safe range, so we keep the level in a target zone with regular blood tests.
How to Take It & Salt/Fluids
Take with food to ease stomach upset. Keep your salt and fluid intake steady day to day.
Dehydration, low-salt diets, heavy sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea can raise your level into a dangerous range — drink enough water and call us if you get sick.
Black Box Warning
Lithium toxicity can happen at levels close to the helpful range. Reliable blood testing must be available.
Warning signs of toxicity: coarse tremor, vomiting/diarrhea, slurred speech, unsteadiness, drowsiness, confusion — stop and call us or seek care.
Common (Usually Mild) Side Effects
- Fine hand tremor.
- Increased thirst and urination.
- Nausea, weight gain.
- Acne.
Serious — Call Us or Seek Care
- Signs of toxicity (see above) — treat as urgent.
- Underactive thyroid: fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain.
- Kidney effects: passing large amounts of urine and constant thirst.
- High calcium (from parathyroid changes).
Alcohol & Interactions
Limit alcohol — it can dehydrate you and shift your level.
Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) unless approved — they raise lithium levels. Same for some blood-pressure medicines. Check before adding anything new.
Required Monitoring
• Lithium blood level — after dose changes and then every 6–12 months (drawn ~12 hours after your last dose)
• Kidney function (creatinine)
• Thyroid (TSH)
• Calcium
Tell us if you become pregnant — lithium needs special planning.