Lithium

What lithium 300mg tablets are for

Lithium is a mood stabiliser used in bipolar disorder, the condition that swings between mania — a stretch of abnormally excited, frenzied mood — and depression. It is taken both to bring a manic episode under control and to keep further episodes from returning. The tablets are 300mg and are swallowed with a drink of water.

How it works, and how long it takes

Lithium damps down overactive signalling in the brain, which is why it steadies mood instead of sedating you. It has to build to a steady amount in the blood before it does much, so it is taken at around the same times each day rather than now and then. Full benefit usually takes one to three weeks or longer; the change is judged over weeks, not hours.

Early effects, and the sign that something is wrong

Thirst, passing urine more often, a fine shake in the hands, drowsiness and a mildly upset stomach are common in the first weeks and often ease as the body settles. Drowsiness is possible early on, and it can affect driving. Confusion, a coarse tremor, slurred speech, unsteadiness or repeated vomiting mean too much lithium has built up and need urgent treatment.

Salt, fluid and other medicines

The kidneys clear lithium, so anything that shifts your fluid or salt balance shifts the amount in your blood: heavy sweating, fever and diarrhoea push it up. So do NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, and diuretics (water pills). Keeping salt and drinks fairly steady from day to day matters more than any single food, and if you take caffeine in coffee, tea, cola or chocolate, a steady amount suits lithium better than stopping and starting.

Lithium or Lithobid?

Two lithium tablets are sold here, both 300mg. This one is the unbranded tablet; Lithobid is the same ingredient sold under a brand name. Packs run from 30 to 360 tablets. The lithium page covers both, and the pack should be kept somewhere cool and dry.