• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?

LITHIUM (LITH ee um) is used to prevent and treat the manic episodes caused by manic-depressive illness.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• dehydration (diarrhea or sweating)
• heart or blood vessel disease
• kidney disease
• low level of salt in the blood, or on a low salt diet
• an unusual or allergic reaction to lithium, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take after a meal or snack to avoid stomach upset. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. The amount of this medicine you take is very important. Taking more than the prescribed dose can cause serious side effects. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD or narcolepsy

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• caffeine
• calcium iodide
• carbamazepine
• diuretics
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• metronidazole
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• phenytoin
• potassium iodide, KI
• sodium bicarbonate
• sodium chloride
• urea

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.