Lithium
$0.26
Lithium is a mood stabiliser used in bipolar disorder to prevent and reduce both manic and depressive episodes.
Drug Information
9 reviews for Lithium
Lithium is a mood stabiliser. It is one of the most effective medicines for bipolar disorder, helping to prevent both high (manic) and low (depressive) episodes.
It is also used to add to antidepressants for hard-to-treat depression. Regular blood tests are needed because the safe range is narrow.
What is it used for?
- Bipolar disorder: treating and preventing mania and depression
- Hard-to-treat depression, added to an antidepressant
How does it work?
Lithium's exact action is not fully understood. It affects signalling inside nerve cells in a way that steadies mood and reduces extreme highs and lows.
This information is written in simple words to help you understand this product. It does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
Read these points before you start. If any of them apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.
- You will need regular blood tests to check your lithium level, kidneys and thyroid.
- Keep your fluid and salt intake steady. Dehydration (from heat, vomiting, diarrhoea or exercise) or a low-salt diet can raise lithium to toxic levels.
- Many medicines raise lithium levels, including ibuprofen, naproxen and other anti-inflammatory painkillers, water tablets, ACE inhibitors and ARBs. Always check with your pharmacist.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart disease, an underactive thyroid or Addison's disease.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
- Carry a lithium alert card.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every other medicine, vitamin or herbal product you use.
- Keep this product out of the reach and sight of children.
Like all medicines, Lithium can cause side effects, but not everybody gets them.
Common side effects
- Feeling thirsty and passing more urine
- A slight shake (tremor) of the hands
- Feeling sick or mild diarrhoea, especially at first
- Weight gain
- Metallic taste
These are usually mild and often get better as your body gets used to it. Tell your doctor if they bother you or do not go away.
Stop using it and get medical help straight away if you notice:
- Signs of too much lithium: being sick, diarrhoea, a bad shake, muscle twitching, unsteady walking, slurred speech, confusion or drowsiness
- Feeling very tired, cold, gaining weight and a swollen neck (possible underactive thyroid)
- A fast or uneven heartbeat, or fainting
This is not a complete list. If you notice anything unusual, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Take it once or twice a day, at the same times each day, exactly as your doctor tells you.
- Always use the same brand. Different brands can give different lithium levels.
- Swallow the tablet whole with water, with or after food.
- Drink about 2 to 3 litres of fluid a day, more in hot weather.
- Your blood level is usually checked 12 hours after your last dose.
If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Never take two doses at once.
If you use too much: Contact your doctor, a poison control centre or your local emergency number straight away, even if you feel fine. Take the pack with you.
How to store it: Keep it in its original pack at room temperature (below 25°C / 77°F), away from heat, damp and direct sunlight. Do not use it after the expiry date.
- QWhy do I need blood tests on Lithium?
- A
The difference between a helpful and a harmful lithium level is small. Blood tests keep your level in the safe range.
- QWhat should I do if I get vomiting or diarrhoea?
- A
Contact your doctor. You may need to stop lithium for a short time and have a blood test.
- QCan I take ibuprofen with Lithium?
- A
No, not without asking your doctor. It can raise your lithium level. Paracetamol is usually safer.
- QCan I stop Lithium when I feel well?
- A
No. Stopping suddenly raises the chance of a relapse. Always talk to your doctor first.

Ishaan Horvat –
I ordered Lithium from here last week and the whole thing was hassle free. It was wrapped well enough that I had no worry about damage. And the website was easy to use and I found what I needed quickly.
Julien Moore –
I found Lithium on this site pretty quickly. Creating an account and ordering was painless. Prices here are easy on the pocket. Nothing was missing from my order. Nothing negative to say, it was a good one.
Shreya Reed –
Ordering from this site was easy. The price was fair compared to other places I checked. It was packed with care, which I really noticed. I am satisfied and will come back for my next order.
Andre Pham –
I ordered from here after comparing a few options. Customer service was polite and helpful. I found the cost to be better than what I saw elsewhere. I was able to order from my phone without any trouble. Everything went well, so I will be back.
Nina Mensah –
Just got my order and everything went well. Everything was in order when I opened the box. Easy to deal with, which is what I wanted.
Elena Taylor –
Delivery was quicker than I thought it would be. The cost was clearly shown before I paid, so no nasty surprises. It was a pleasant experience and I am glad I chose this site.
Sophia Karim –
Ordered Lithium a few days ago and wanted to leave a quick review. The expiry date was fine and everything looked as it should. It was cheaper than my usual place, and the service was just as good. It came in a reasonable amount of time. Great experience, I have already bookmarked the site.
Amir Gonzalez –
First time ordering here and it was a pleasant surprise. The wrapping was solid, nothing shifted around in transit. No problems at all, so I am pleased.
Sebastian Mensah –
Placed an order for Lithium and it was handled well. The total I saw at checkout was the total I paid.