Lithium

Lithium is a mood stabiliser. It is one of the most effective treatments for preventing manic and depressive episodes in bipolar disorder.

Type of medicine

Mood stabiliser

Also known as

Priadel, Camcolit, Liskonum, Li-Liquid

Comes as

modified-release tablets, liquid

How you get it

Started by a specialist, then sometimes prescribed by a GP

What it is used for

Treating and preventing mania and depression in bipolar disorder
Depression that has not responded to other treatment, alongside an antidepressant
Aggressive or self-harming behaviour

Read our guides:

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Cluster headaches

How it works

Nobody knows exactly how lithium works. It is thought to affect several chemical messengers and signals inside nerve cells, which helps keep mood more stable and lowers the risk of suicide.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Lithium can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

feeling thirsty
needing to pee more
a slight shake in the hands
feeling sick
a metallic taste
weight gain

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

signs of lithium toxicity, such as being sick, diarrhoea, a coarse shake, unsteadiness, slurred speech, confusion or drowsiness. Get help straight away
feeling cold, tired and gaining weight, which can be signs of an underactive thyroid
passing very large amounts of pee

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

You need regular blood tests to check your lithium level, kidneys and thyroid.
Keep your fluid and salt intake steady. Dehydration, hot weather and sickness can raise levels.
Ibuprofen, some blood pressure tablets and water tablets can raise lithium levels. Always check with a pharmacist.
Carry your lithium record book.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.