Is lithium a narcotic

How lithium makes you feel

Lithium is a mood stabilizer. This means it can help stabilize the mood changes that bipolar disorder causes. The effects of lithium can vary from person to person. The way the drug works in your body isn’t exactly known.

If you have questions about how lithium might make you feel, you can talk with your medical professional or pharmacist.

Below we share answers to some commonly asked questions about lithium.

Is lithium approved to treat depression?

Lithium isn’t approved to treat depression. But it may be prescribed off-label to treat certain types of depression. Off-label means using a drug for a condition it hasn’t been approved to treat.

Lithium is approved to treat manic and mixed episodes related to bipolar I disorder. It’s also sometimes used off-label to treat depressive episodes caused by bipolar I disorder.

If you’d like to learn more about using lithium for depression and what this dosage would be, you can talk with your medical professional or pharmacist.

How does lithium work? And what is its half-life?

Lithium is a mood stabilizer. This means it can help stabilize the mood changes that bipolar disorder causes. But the way lithium works* to treat this condition isn’t known for sure.

The half-life of lithium is 18 to 36 hours. (A drug’s half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of a dose to leave your system.) So it takes about 18 to 36 hours for your body to get rid of half of a dose of lithium.

* The way a drug works in your body is called its “mechanism of action.”

Can lithium be used for schizophrenia or anxiety?

Although lithium isn’t approved to treat schizophrenia or anxiety, it may be prescribed off-label to treat these conditions. Off-label means using a drug for a condition it hasn’t been approved to treat.

When used for these purposes, lithium is usually taken along with other drugs that treat schizophrenia or anxiety. If you’d like to learn more about lithium treatment for these conditions, you can talk with your medical professional.

Is Lamictal an alternative to lithium?

Yes, lamotrigine (Lamictal) is a possible alternative to lithium. Both lithium and Lamictal are mood stabilizers. Both drugs can be used as maintenance (long-term) treatments for bipolar disorder.

However, Lamictal may cause serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. For this reason, your medical professional may recommend that you try lithium before Lamictal.

To learn more about how lithium and Lamictal are alike and different, we suggest talking with your medical professional or pharmacist.

Is lithium a controlled substance?

No, lithium isn’t a controlled substance.

Controlled substances are medications that have a high potential for addiction or misuse. (Addiction refers to the continued use of a drug even if it’s causing you harm. Misuse refers to taking a drug differently than the way it was prescribed.) But lithium isn’t known to be addictive or to have a high potential for being misused.

Your medical professional can provide more information if you have more questions about lithium and controlled substances.

Before taking lithium, we encourage you to talk with your medical professional. You can tell them about any medical conditions you have. You can also tell them about your overall health and other medications you’re taking.

We provide more details about these considerations below.

Interactions

Taking certain drugs, foods, vaccines, and other substances with a medication may affect how that medication works. These effects are known as interactions.

Before you take lithium, it’s important to tell your medical professional about any other drugs you take. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medication. It’s also important to mention any herbs, supplements, and vitamins you take. They or your pharmacist can tell you about possible interactions these substances may have with lithium.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Lithium can interact with several types of drugs. These drugs include:

• drugs that increase the level of a chemical in your body called serotonin, such as:
  • certain antidepressants, including:
    • serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
    • selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
    • monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• certain antipsychotic drugs, such as quetiapine (Seroquel) or risperidone (Risperdal)
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as:
  • ibuprofen (Advil)
  • aspirin
• certain blood pressure or heart failure drugs, including:
  • angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as lisinopril (Zestril)
  • angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), such as valsartan (Diovan)
  • calcium channel blockers, such as diltiazem (Cardizem CD, Cartia XT)
  • methyldopa
• certain seizure drugs, such as:
  • carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol)
  • phenytoin (Dilantin)
• the asthma drug theophylline
• the antibiotic metronidazole (Flagyl)
• the dietary supplement potassium iodide
• the altitude sickness drug acetazolamide
• caffeine
• diuretic drugs
• sodium bicarbonate

It’s important to note that we haven’t listed all types of drugs that may interact with lithium. Your medical professional or pharmacist can provide more details as well as information about other possible interactions.

FDA boxed warning

Lithium has a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about lithium toxicity. This is a high level of lithium in your blood. The boxed warning appears on the drug’s label and alerts you to possible serious risks.

For details, you can see the “What is lithium toxicity?” section above.

Other warnings

If you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health, lithium may not be the right choice for you. Before you take lithium, it’s important to discuss your health history with your medical professional. The list below includes some factors to consider.

• Heart problems. If you have heart problems, be sure to tell your medical professional before starting lithium. Lithium may reveal a condition called Brugada syndrome (a type of abnormal heart rhythm) in people who have heart problems. Your medical professional may check for symptoms of this condition during treatment.
• Kidney problems. It’s very important to tell your medical professional if you have any kidney problems before starting lithium. Kidney problems increase your risk for lithium toxicity. If you have kidney problems, your medical professional may lower your lithium dosage or prescribe a different drug for you.
• Thyroid problems. Lithium may cause thyroid problems. These can include hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels) and hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone levels). Your risk for this side effect may be higher if you have thyroid problems before starting lithium. We suggest you tell your medical professional if you have a thyroid problem before you start lithium. They’ll likely watch your thyroid function closely while you take the drug.
• Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to lithium or any of its ingredients, you should not take lithium. Your medical professional can recommend other treatments that might be better choices for you.
• Use of antipsychotic drugs. It’s important to tell your medical professional if you’re taking any antipsychotic drugs before starting lithium. These drugs can increase your risk for nerve problems while taking lithium, such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome. If you take these drugs, your medical professional can advise whether lithium is right for treating your condition.

Lithium and alcohol

It’s recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking lithium.

Drinking alcohol with lithium can raise your risk for lithium toxicity, which can cause serious side effects. If you drink alcohol, it’s important to talk with your medical professional about whether it’s safe to drink while you’re taking lithium.

Lithium treatment while pregnant or breastfeeding

It may not be safe to take lithium while pregnant or breastfeeding. Your medical professional can advise you about taking lithium during these times.

Your medical professional can advise you on how much lithium to take and how often. It’s important to follow the instructions they provide. Commonly used dosages are mentioned below, but always take the dosage your medical professional recommends.

Forms and strengths

Lithium comes in several forms that you take by mouth:

• extended-release (ER) tablets, which are long-acting
• immediate-release (IR) tablets, which are short-acting
• IR capsules
• IR liquid solution

We cover only the IR tablet, capsule, and liquid solution forms of lithium in this article. The table below shows the available strengths of each of these forms of lithium.

If you’d like to learn about lithium ER tablets, your medical professional or pharmacist can tell you more.

Dosage for bipolar I disorder

Typically, your medical professional will start by prescribing a low dosage of lithium. Then they’ll slowly increase your dosage over time until the symptoms of your condition have been reduced.

Lithium can be used in adults and children ages 7 years and older. Below are the recommended starting dosages of lithium for bipolar I disorder.

If your child weighs less than 20 kg, their medical professional will recommend whether lithium is right for them, and what their dosage would be.

Your medical professional may adjust your lithium dosage depending on factors such as:

• your age
• your weight
• other medications you take
• other health conditions you have
• the level of lithium in your blood

If you have questions about the dosage that’s right for you, we recommend that you talk with your medical professional.

* One kg equals about 2.2 lb.

Normal range of lithium

To lessen your risk for side effects from lithium, your medical professional may regularly check your lithium levels with blood tests.

Your doctor will start by prescribing a low dose of lithium. Then they’ll check your lithium blood levels 3 days later. Your medical professional may increase your dosage every few days until your lithium blood level is 0.8 mEq/mL to 1.2 mEq/mL. This is considered a normal range for lithium levels.

Your medical professional may continue to check your lithium blood levels frequently until your condition is stable.

Lithium is a generic prescription drug. The costs of prescription medications may depend on several factors, such as your insurance coverage and the pharmacy you use.

If you’re wondering how to pay for lithium, we suggest that you talk with your medical professional or pharmacist. You may also want to visit Medicine Assistance Tool or NeedyMeds to see if support options are available.

It’s possible. Withdrawal symptoms weren’t reported in studies of lithium. However, some people have reported withdrawal symptoms after suddenly stopping lithium.

Withdrawal symptoms

Possible withdrawal symptoms with lithium can include:

• anxiety
• irritability
• trouble sleeping

It’s also possible that after stopping lithium, your bipolar disorder symptoms may start to come back.

It’s important that you do not stop taking lithium unless your medical professional says it’s safe to do so. They may lower your dosage slowly over time when it’s safe for you to stop lithium treatment. This can lessen your risk of side effects after stopping the drug.

It’s important that you don’t take more lithium than your medical professional recommends. Taking more than the recommended dosage can lead to severe side effects, including lithium toxicity. This is a high level of lithium in the blood, which can cause serious side effects.

In fact, lithium has a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about lithium toxicity. The boxed warning appears on the drug’s label and alerts you to possible serious risks. For details about lithium toxicity, including its symptoms, you can see the “What is lithium toxicity?” section above.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

• seizures
• irreversible brain damage
• coma

What to do in case you take too much lithium

If you believe you’ve taken too much lithium, call your medical professional right away. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. But if your symptoms are severe, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the closest emergency room.

Your medical professional can give you instructions on how to take lithium. They can also explain how much to take and how often. It’s important to follow the instructions they provide.

Lithium comes in several forms that you take by mouth:

• extended-release (ER) tablets, which are long-acting
• immediate-release (IR) tablets, which are short-acting
• capsules
• liquid solution

We cover only the IR tablet, capsule, and liquid solution forms of lithium in this article. If you’d like to learn about lithium ER tablets, your medical professional or pharmacist can tell you more.

Tips for taking lithium

You’ll likely take lithium two to three times a day.

It’s important to avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated while taking lithium. You can stay hydrated and keep your body temperature low by drinking plenty of liquids. This is especially important while in hot weather or while exercising.

It’s also important to eat a consistent amount of salt while taking lithium. Changing your salt intake could affect your lithium blood levels. Lower lithium blood levels could make the drug less effective. But higher lithium blood levels could raise your risk for lithium toxicity.*

Your medical professional can help determine the right amount of liquid and salt for you while taking lithium.

* Lithium has a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about lithium toxicity. For details, you can see the “What is lithium toxicity?” section above.

When to take

It’s recommended that you take lithium doses around the same times each day. This helps keep a steady level of lithium in your system, which may help prevent withdrawal symptoms. (To learn more about withdrawal, you can see the “Can lithium cause withdrawal if you stop taking it?” section above. )

Taking lithium with food may help reduce some side effects of the drug.

Taking lithium with other drugs

Your medical professional may prescribe lithium by itself to treat your condition. But depending on the severity of your symptoms, they may prescribe lithium along with other drugs.

For example, your medical professional may prescribe lithium along with certain antipsychotics. Examples include:

• olanzapine (Zyprexa)
• quetiapine (Seroquel)
• risperidone (Risperdal)
• ziprasidone (Geodon)

Before starting lithium, it’s important to tell your medical professional about any other drugs you take. This is because certain drugs, including antipsychotics in some cases, may increase your risk for side effects from lithium. Or they may affect how lithium works.

For more information about possible interactions with lithium, you can see the “What should you know before taking lithium?” section above.

Frequently asked questions about taking lithium

Below we share answers to some questions you may have about lithium treatment.

• How long does lithium take to work? You may not notice lithium starting to reduce your symptoms until you’ve taken the drug for about a week. It typically takes several weeks for your symptoms to be reduced completely. We recommend talking with your medical professional about when you can expect to notice lithium working.
• What should I do if I miss a dose of lithium? It’s recommended that you take a missed dose of lithium as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, you can skip your missed dose and take your next dose at its regular time. It’s important that you do not take two doses of lithium to make up for a missed dose. An extra dose can raise your risk for side effects from the drug. If you aren’t sure whether to take a missed dose or skip it, we suggest you talk with your medical professional or pharmacist.
• Is lithium meant for long-term use? Your medical professional may prescribe lithium for short-term or long-term use. If the drug is working for you and isn’t causing bothersome effects, you may take lithium long term.
• Can you chew, split, or crush lithium? The manufacturer of lithium hasn’t stated if the drug can be chewed, split, or crushed. You should not chew split or crush lithium tablets or capsules without first talking with your medical professional or pharmacist. They can help you if you’re not able to swallow the tablets or capsules whole.
• Should you take lithium with food? You can take lithium with food or without it. But taking lithium with food can help reduce certain side effects of the drug, such as nausea.

What should you ask your medical professional?

It’s common to have questions about your treatment plan for lithium. Your medical professional is there to work with you and help address any concerns you have.

To help guide your discussion, here are some suggestions:

• You can write down questions you have before your visit. For example, “How will taking lithium affect my mood, body, and lifestyle?”
• You can think about asking a loved one or friend to come with you to your appointment. Having in-person support may help you feel more at ease.
• You can ask your medical professional to explain something that you find unclear.

Working with your healthcare team may help you stay on track with your treatment. If you find that you’re not getting answers to your questions or receiving the care you deserve, consider seeking a second opinion.

If you still have questions about lithium after reading this article, talking with your medical professional may be helpful. Together you can decide if lithium might be a good choice for you.

You can also discuss other treatments, forms of support, and resources that may benefit you. We’ve listed some suggestions below.

Additional treatment options

While you take lithium, additional treatments or remedies may help you better manage your condition. These can include:

• having a daily routine
• joining a support group
• keeping a mood journal
• participating in psychotherapy

Finding support

Whether you’re looking for a therapist, support group, or information about how to afford therapy, these resources may help:

• how to find a therapist
• online counseling search through BetterHelp
• online support groups
• how to afford therapy

Other resources

To receive weekly information about mental health, you may want to sign up for the Psych Central newsletter. You’ll find stories directly from other people about their mental health journey as well as the latest information about treatments.

Q:

I’ve heard that lithium can cause thyroid problems. Will I need to take medications for my thyroid while taking lithium?

Anonymous

A:

Lithium can cause thyroid problems in some people. Your doctor will monitor your thyroid function while you’re taking lithium. If your thyroid isn’t functioning properly, you may be prescribed medication to help with this, such as levothyroxine (Synthroid). Your doctor will determine whether you need to take thyroid medication during your lithium treatment.

Neal Patel, PharmDAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Psych Central has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

Brand names:

• Lithium
  • Immediate release tablets: 300mg
  • Immediate release capsules: 150 mg, 300 mg, 600 mg
  • Oral solution (liquid): 8 mEq/5 mL
• Lithobid®
  • Tablets (extended release): 300 mg, 450 mg
• Eskalith®, Eskalith CR®: discontinued

Generic name: lithium (LITH ee um)

All FDA black box warnings are at the end of this fact sheet. Please review before taking this medication.

What Is Lithium And What Does It Treat?

Lithium is a mood stabilizer medication that works in the brain. It is approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression). Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression and/or mania.

Symptoms of depression include:

• Depressed mood — feeling sad, empty, or tearful
• Feeling worthless, guilty, hopeless, or helpless
• Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities
• Sleep and eat more or less than usual (for most people it is less)
• Low energy, trouble concentrating, or thoughts of death (suicidal thinking)
• Psychomotor agitation (‘nervous energy’)
• Psychomotor retardation (feeling like you are moving in slow motion)

Symptoms of mania include:

• Feeling irritable or “high”
• Having increased self esteem
• Feeling like you don’t need to sleep
• Feeling the need to continue to talk
• Feeling like your thoughts are too quick (racing thoughts)
• Feeling distracted
• Getting involved in activities that are risky or could have bad consequences (e.g., excessive spending)

Lithium may also be helpful when prescribed “off-label” for depression, especially when combined with antidepressant medications. “Off-label” means that it hasn’t been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this condition. Your mental health provider should justify his or her thinking in recommending an “off-label” treatment. They should be clear about the limits of the research around that medication and if there are any other options.

What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Lithium?

Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment. Do not stop taking lithium, even when you feel better. With input from you, your health care provider will assess how long you will need to take the medicine. Missing doses of lithium may increase your risk for a relapse in your mood symptoms.

Do not stop taking lithium or change your dose without talking to with your healthcare provider first.

In order for lithium to work properly, it should be taken every day as ordered by your healthcare provider.

Periodically, your healthcare provider may ask you to provide a blood sample to make sure the appropriate level of medication is in your body and to assess for side effects, such as changes in blood cell counts or kidney function.

Are There Specific Concerns About Lithium And Pregnancy?

If you are planning on becoming pregnant, notify your healthcare provider so that he/she can best manage your medications. People living with bipolar disorder who wish to become pregnant face important decisions. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor and caregivers.

Lithium has been associated with an increased risk of Ebstein’s anomaly, a heart valve defect. Even though data suggest that the risk of Ebstein’s anomaly from first trimester use of lithium is very low, an ultrasound of the heart is recommended at 16 to 20 weeks of gestation. Lithium levels should be monitored monthly in early pregnancy and weekly near delivery. Do not stop taking lithium without first speaking to your healthcare provider. Discontinuing mood stabilizer medications during pregnancy has been associated with a significant increase in symptom relapse.

Regarding breast-feeding, caution is advised since lithium does pass into breast milk. In general, breastfeeding is not recommended while taking lithium.

What Should I Discuss With My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Lithium?

• Symptoms of your condition that bother you the most
• If you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
• Medications you have taken in the past for your condition, whether they were effective or caused any adverse effects
• If you experience side effects from your medications, discuss them with your provider. Some side effects may pass with time, but others may require changes in the medication.
• Any other psychiatric or medical problems you have
• All other medications you are currently taking (including over the counter products, herbal and nutritional supplements) and any medication allergies you have
• Other non-medication treatment you are receiving, such as talk therapy or substance abuse treatment. Your provider can explain how these different treatments work with the medication.
• If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• If you drink alcohol or use illegal drugs

How Should I Take Lithium?

Lithium is usually taken 1-3 times per day with or without food.

Typically patients begin at a low dose of medicine and the dose is increased slowly over several weeks.

The dose usually ranges from 600 mg to 1200 mg daily, but some people may require higher doses depending on weight or symptoms. Only your health care provider can determine the correct dose for you.

Extended release tablets: Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush or chew extended release tablets.

Liquid: Measure with a dosing spoon or oral syringe, which you can get from your pharmacy.

Use a calendar, pillbox, alarm clock, or cell phone alert to help you remember to take your medication. You may also ask a family member or a friend to remind you or check in with you to be sure you are taking your medication.

What Happens If I Miss A Dose Of Lithium?

If you miss a dose of lithium, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is closer to the time of your next dose. Discuss this with your healthcare provider. Do not double your dose or take more than what is prescribed.

What Should I Avoid While Taking Lithium?

Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while you are taking lithium. They may decrease the benefits (e.g., worsen your condition) and increase adverse effects (e.g., sedation) of the medication.

Avoid low sodium diets and dehydration because this can increase the risk of lithium toxicity.

Avoid over the counter and prescription pain medications that contain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®, Naprosyn®) because these medications can increase the risk of toxicity from lithium.

Avoid excessive intake of caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, cola or energy drinks, since these may decrease levels of lithium and decrease effectiveness of the medication. Discontinuing caffeine use may increase lithium levels. Consult your healthcare provider before reducing or stopping caffeine use.

What Happens If I Overdose With Lithium?

If an overdose occurs call your doctor or 911. You may need urgent medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

A specific treatment to reverse the effects of lithium does not exist, but there are treatments to decrease the effects of the medication. Only a doctor can determine if you require treatment.

What are possible side effects of lithium?

Common side effects

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Changes in appetite
• Hand tremors
• Dry mouth
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Thinning of hair or hair loss
• Acne-like rash

Rare/serious side effects

Signs of lithium toxicity include severe nausea and vomiting, severe hand tremors, confusion, vision changes, and unsteadiness while standing or walking. These symptoms need to be addressed immediately with a medical doctor to ensure your lithium level is not dangerously high.

In rare cases, lithium may lead to a reversible condition known as diabetes insipidus. If this occurs you would notice a significant increase in thirst and how much fluid you drink and how much you urinate. Talk to your doctor if you notice you are urinating more frequently than usual.

Are There Any Risks For Taking Lithium For Long Periods Of Time?

Hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormone) may occur with long-term lithium use.

Rare kidney problems have been associated with long-term use of lithium. The risk increases with high levels of lithium. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function at routine check-ups to ensure this does not occur.

What Other Medications May Interact With Lithium?

The following medications can increase the levels and effects of lithium:

• Diuretics, such as: hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide®), furosemide (Lasix®), bumetanide (Bumex®), torsemide (Demadex®), acetazolamide (Diamox®), chlorthiazide (Diuril®), and chlorthalidone (Thalitone®)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) including: Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), naproxen (Naprosyn®), celecoxib (Celebrex®), diclofenac (Voltaren®), and nabumetone (Relafen®)
• Certain blood pressure medications, called angiotensin receptor blockers or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.
  • Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs): valsartan (Diovan®), olmesartan (Benicar®), candesartan (Atacand®), losartan (Cozaar®)
  • Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: enalapril (Vasotec®), captopril (Capoten®), benazepril (Lotensin®), fosinopril (Monopril®)
• Certain antidepressants, known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Examples include phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), selegiline (Eldepryl®, Emsam®), and isocarboxazid (Marplan®)

The following medications may decrease the levels and effect of lithium:

• Caffeine
• Sodium chloride (table salt)
• A medication used to treat breathing problems called theophylline (Theo–Dur®, Slo–Bid®)

How Long Does It Take For Lithium To Work?

It is very important to tell your doctor how you feel things are going during the first few weeks after you start taking lithium. It will probably take several weeks to see big enough changes in your symptoms to decide if lithium is the right medication for you.

Mood stabilizer treatment is generally needed lifelong for persons with bipolar disorder. Your doctor can best discuss the duration of treatment you need based on your symptoms and illness.

Summary of Black Box Warnings

Lithium toxicity

Lithium toxicity is closely related to lithium blood levels and can occur at doses close to therapeutic levels; lithium levels should be monitored closely when starting the medication or if individuals experience side effects of the medication.

Provided by

(September 2021)

©2021 The College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists (CPNP) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). CPNP and NAMI make this document available under the Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivatives 4.0 International License. Last Updated: January 2016.

This information is being provided as a community outreach effort of the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists. This information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. This information contains a summary of important points and is not an exhaustive review of information about the medication. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding medications or medical conditions. Never delay seeking professional medical advice or disregard medical professional advice as a result of any information provided herein. The College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists disclaims any and all liability alleged as a result of the information provided herein.

Lithium