LITHIUM: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Lithium is a type of metal that is consumed in the diet, mainly in grains and vegetables. Various forms are used in supplements in small doses.

Lithium gets its name from "lithos," the Greek word for stone, because it is present in trace amounts in virtually all rocks. It might help mental disorders by increasing the activity of chemical messengers in the brain. Lithium might also be needed for other functions, like the development of blood cells.

People use lithium supplements for alcohol use disorder, Alzheimer disease, depression, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.

Lithium carbonate and lithium citrate are approved by the U.S. FDA as prescription drugs for bipolar disorder. These and other lithium drugs aren't covered in this topic. Lithium supplements contain much lower doses of lithium than drugs.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Prescription lithium is likely safe when taken appropriately while under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Lithium carbonate and lithium citrate are U.S. FDA approved prescription drugs. Lithium prescription drugs can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, weight gain, and other side effects. But there isn't enough information to know if lithium supplements are safe to use or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy: Lithium is possibly unsafe when taken during pregnancy. It can poison a developing baby and increase the risk of birth defects, including heart problems. But lithium use may be monitored by a healthcare provider when the benefits of using prescription lithium outweigh the risks to the baby.

Breast-feeding: Lithium is likely unsafe to use while breast-feeding. Lithium can enter breast milk and cause unwanted side effects in a nursing infant. It should only be used in very rare circumstances with close monitoring by a healthcare provider.

Children: Lithium citrate and lithium carbonate are possibly safe when used appropriately under the supervision of a healthcare professional in children 7 years and older. There isn't enough reliable information available to know if lithium supplements are safe to use in children or what the side effects might be.

Brugada syndrome: Lithium shouldn't be used in people who have Brugada syndrome or those who have a history of abnormal ECG readings. Also, stop taking lithium and contact your doctor if you start feeling faint or have changes in heartbeat.

Dehydration: Lithium can make dehydration worse. If you are dehydrated or have low salt levels you might need to change your lithium dose. Talk to your doctor.

Elderly individuals: Older age, other illnesses, and use of many medications makes it more likely that someone will have serious lithium side effects.

Heart disease: Lithium may cause irregular heart rhythms. This may be a problem, especially for people who have heart disease.

Kidney disease: Lithium is removed from the body by the kidneys. In people with kidney disease, the amount of lithium that is given might need to be reduced.

Low sodium levels: Lithium can lower the level of salt in the blood. If you already have low levels of salt in the blood, use lithium with caution.

Surgery: Lithium might interfere with surgical procedures that involve anesthesia and other drugs that affect the central nervous system. Lithium supplements should be stopped, with the approval of a healthcare provider, at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Thyroid disease: Lithium might make thyroid problems worse. Make sure to have your thyroid function tested regularly.

Interactions ?

Major Interaction

Do not take this combination

Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with LITHIUM
Some "water pills" can increase how much sodium the body gets rid of in the urine. Decreasing sodium in the body can increase lithium levels in the body and increase the effects and side effects of lithium.
Serotonergic drugs interacts with LITHIUM
Lithium might increase a brain chemical called serotonin. Some medications also have this effect. Taking lithium along with these medications might increase serotonin too much. This might cause serious side effects including heart problems, seizures, and vomiting.

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors) interacts with LITHIUM
Some medications for high blood pressure can increase lithium levels in the body. Taking lithium along with some medications for high blood pressure might increase lithium levels too much.
Medications for high blood pressure (Calcium channel blockers) interacts with LITHIUM
Lithium is commonly used to help fix chemical imbalances in the brain. Some medications for high blood pressure might increase the side effects of lithium, and decrease the amount of lithium in the body.
Medications used to prevent seizures (Anticonvulsants) interacts with LITHIUM
Medications used to prevent seizures affect chemicals in the brain. Lithium is commonly used to help fix chemical imbalances in the brain. Taking lithium along with some medications used for seizures might increase the side effects of lithium.
Methyldopa (Aldomet) interacts with LITHIUM
Taking methyldopa might increase the effects and side effects of lithium. Do not take lithium if you are taking methyldopa unless it is prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Methylxanthines interacts with LITHIUM
Taking methylxanthines can increase how quickly the body gets rid of lithium. This could decrease how well lithium works. Methylxanthines include aminophylline, caffeine, and theophylline.
Muscle relaxants interacts with LITHIUM
Lithium might increase how long muscle relaxants work. Taking lithium along with muscle relaxants might increase the effects and side effects of muscle relaxants.
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) interacts with LITHIUM
NSAIDs might increase lithium levels in the body. Taking lithium along with NSAIDs might increase the risk of lithium side effects. Avoid taking lithium supplements and NSAIDs at the same time.
Phenothiazines interacts with LITHIUM
Taking phenothiazines along with lithium might decrease the effects of lithium. Lithium might also decrease the effects of phenothiazines.
Medications for mental conditions (Antipsychotic drugs) interacts with LITHIUM
Taking lithium with antipsychotic drugs might cause some severe symptoms, including brain damage. Do not take lithium without your healthcare provider's knowledge if you are using antipsychotic drugs.

View References

REFERENCES:

Benjelloun R, Motaib I, Otheman Y. Lithium-associated hypercalcemia presenting with neuropsychiatric manifestations in a patient with bipolar disorder. Case Rep Psychiatry. 2020;2020:6630838. View abstract.

Fornaro M, Maritan E, Ferranti R, et al. Lithium Exposure During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Safety and Efficacy Outcomes. Am J Psychiatry. 2020;177(1):76-92. View abstract.

Foulser P, Abbasi Y, Mathilakath A, Nilforooshan R. Do not treat the numbers: lithium toxicity. BMJ Case Rep. 2017;2017. pii: bcr-2017-220079. View abstract.

Hanna RM, Hasnain H, Sangalang MD, et al. Three Patients with Lithium-Associated Hyperparathyroidism: Literature Review Regarding Medical and Surgical Management. Case Rep Nephrol Dial. 2019;9(2):108-118. View abstract.

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/017812s028,018421s027lbl.pdf. Accessed Nov. 21, 2018

Landa E, Wagner S, Makkar A, Liu A, Jung D. An atypical presentation of serotonin syndrome. Cureus. 2021;13(2):e13377.View abstract.

Nunes MA, Viel TA, Buck HS. Microdose lithium treatment stabilized cognitive impairment in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Curr Alzheimer Res. 2013;10(1):104-7. View abstract.

Nwabufor PC, Omoniyi ON, Oyibo SO. A Case of Lithium-Associated Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia. Cureus. 2020;12(9):e10606. View abstract.

Perlis RH, Sachs GS, Lafer B, et al. Effect of abrupt change from standard to low serum levels of lithium: a reanalysis of double-blind lithium maintenance data. Am J Psychiatry 2002;159:1155-9.. View abstract.

Pinelli JM, Symington AJ, Cunningham KA, Paes BA. Case report and review of the perinatal implications of maternal lithium use. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:245-9.. View abstract.

Rana P, Alba Aponte P, Babar G. An Adolescent Female with Bipolar Disorder Presenting with Lithium-Induced Hyperthyroidism. Case Rep Endocrinol. 2020;2020:1283464. View abstract.

Rauf A, Gul S, Nasir M, Arif U, Oyenuga M. A Rare Case of Lithium-induced Partial Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus. Cureus. 2020;12(4):e7877. View abstract.

Sawagashira R, Sasagawa Y, Matsukura M, Takamaru Y. Case of myxedema coma induced by lithium carbonate in a patient with schizophrenia. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2018;72(2):131. View abstract.

Schrauzer GN. Lithium: occurrence, dietary intakes, nutritional essentiality. J Am Coll Nutr 2002;21:14-21.. View abstract.

Singh RK, Dillon B, Tatum DA, Van Poppel KC, Bonthius DJ. Drug-Drug Interactions Between Cannabidiol and Lithium. Child Neurol Open. 2020;7:2329048X20947896. View abstract.

Smith DF, Schou M. Kidney function and lithium concentrations of rats given an injection of lithium orotate or lithium carbonate. J Pharm Pharmacol 1979;31:161-3.. View abstract.

Sun M, Herrmann N, Shulman KI. Lithium toxicity in older adults: A systematic review of case reports. Clin Drug Investig. 2018;38(3):201-209. View abstract.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

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LITHIUM - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions ?

Major Interaction

Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with LITHIUM

Serotonergic drugs interacts with LITHIUM

Moderate Interaction

Medications for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors) interacts with LITHIUM

Medications for high blood pressure (Calcium channel blockers) interacts with LITHIUM

Medications used to prevent seizures (Anticonvulsants) interacts with LITHIUM

Methyldopa (Aldomet) interacts with LITHIUM

Methylxanthines interacts with LITHIUM

Muscle relaxants interacts with LITHIUM

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) interacts with LITHIUM

Phenothiazines interacts with LITHIUM

Medications for mental conditions (Antipsychotic drugs) interacts with LITHIUM

Dosing

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