When you hear lithium, a mood-stabilizing medication primarily used to treat bipolar disorder. Also known as lithium carbonate, it's one of the oldest and most studied psychiatric drugs still in use today. Unlike newer antidepressants, lithium doesn’t just lift your mood—it helps prevent the extreme highs and lows that come with bipolar disorder. It’s not a quick fix, and it’s not for everyone, but for many, it’s the difference between managing life and being overwhelmed by it.
People taking lithium need regular blood tests, to measure lithium levels in the bloodstream and avoid toxicity. Too little and it won’t work. Too much and you risk serious side effects like tremors, confusion, or even kidney damage. That’s why doctors don’t just hand it out—they watch you closely. It’s not like taking an ibuprofen for a headache. This is medicine that requires balance, patience, and communication with your provider.
Lithium also affects your thyroid, and can lower its function over time, which is why thyroid checks are part of routine monitoring. Some people gain weight, feel sluggish, or get more thirsty than usual. These aren’t rare—they’re expected. What matters is whether you and your doctor can adjust for them without losing the benefits. Many people stay on lithium for years because nothing else works as well for their mood swings.
You won’t find lithium in over-the-counter supplements. It’s a prescription drug for a reason. Mixing it with NSAIDs like ibuprofen, diuretics, or even high-sodium diets can throw your levels off. That’s why the posts below cover everything from lithium interactions to how to handle side effects, when to ask for a second opinion, and how to stay safe while using it. Whether you’re just starting out or have been on it for years, the information here is meant to help you understand what’s happening in your body—and what to do next.
Mood stabilizers like lithium and antipsychotics like quetiapine are key to managing bipolar disorder, but side effects often lead to discontinuation. Learn how these drugs work, their real-world trade-offs, and what newer options are emerging in 2025.
