When you're taking lithium, a mood stabilizer used primarily to treat bipolar disorder. Also known as lithium carbonate, it's one of the oldest and most effective drugs for managing extreme mood swings. But lithium isn't like most medications — it has a razor-thin line between helping you and harming you. That’s why serum lithium levels, the measured concentration of lithium in your bloodstream are non-negotiable. Your doctor doesn’t just prescribe lithium and hope for the best. They test your blood regularly because even a small change in those numbers can mean the difference between stability and crisis.
Most people on lithium need their levels checked every few months, sometimes more often if you’re new to the drug or if your kidneys or thyroid are affected. The target range? Usually between 0.6 and 1.2 millimoles per liter. Below 0.6 and the drug might not control your mania or depression. Above 1.2 and you risk lithium toxicity, a dangerous buildup that can cause tremors, confusion, nausea, and even seizures. It’s not rare — thousands of people end up in the ER each year because they didn’t realize their levels were climbing. Dehydration, salt changes, NSAIDs like ibuprofen, or even a new diuretic can push lithium into the danger zone. That’s why you can’t just take it and forget about it. You have to stay in tune with your body and your doctor.
People often assume that if they feel fine, the drug is working and no test is needed. But lithium doesn’t always show symptoms until it’s too late. That’s why blood tests aren’t optional — they’re your safety net. And if you’re on lithium, you’re not alone. It’s still a first-line treatment for bipolar disorder, even with newer drugs on the market, because nothing else matches its ability to prevent suicide and stabilize moods long-term. But that power comes with responsibility. You need to know how your kidneys handle it, how your thyroid reacts, and how other meds you take might interfere. That’s why the posts below cover everything from how lithium interacts with antidepressants and diuretics, to what happens when you skip a blood test, and why some people stop taking it even when it works — and what to do if you’re thinking about quitting.
Lithium carbonate generics require careful serum level monitoring due to their narrow therapeutic index. Switching brands can change your blood levels-here's what you need to know about dosing, timing, and safety.
