Lithium is a powerful medication for mood stabilisation. It’s used to treat mood disorders such as:

• mania (feeling highly excited, overactive or distracted)
• hypo-mania (similar to mania, but less severe)
• regular periods of depression, where treatment with other medicines has not worked
• bipolar disorder, where your mood changes between feeling very high (mania) and very low (depression)

Lithium is available on prescription as either regular tablets or slow-release tablets (lithium carbonate). Brand names for the tablets include Priadel, Camcolit and Liskonum. It also comes as a liquid that you swallow (lithium citrate). Common brands of lithium liquid are Priadel and Li-liquid.

Because of how potent it is, lithium requires careful monitoring and management. Our clinicians suggest the following in order to ensure the effectiveness and safety of your lithium treatment plan:

• Take lithium as prescribed – Do not skip doses or stop the medication without consulting your healthcare provider first.
• Have regular blood tests – Routine blood tests are essential to monitor lithium levels present in your body and prevent toxicity. Your doctor will also check for kidney and thyroid function, as lithium can have a negative effect on these organs.
• Stay hydrated – The amount of fluid you drink is very important as it can affect the levels of lithium in your blood. Drink plenty of water daily and limit caffeine and alcohol intake in order to avoid dehydration, which can increase lithium levels and lead to toxicity.
• Stay vigilant for side effects – Symptoms of lithium toxicity include tremors, confusion, excessive thirst, frequent urination and nausea. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle – You can eat and drink normally while taking lithium. However, it’s best to avoid a low-sodium (low-salt) diet as this can increase the levels of lithium in your blood and increase the chance of getting side effects. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help support your overall wellbeing while on lithium.
• Attend regular check-ups – Make sure that you attend all follow-up appointments so your care team can monitor your progress and adjust your treatment if necessary.

Clinical information taken from nhs.uk.