- Physical Examination
- Surgical Examination
- Ophthalmology
- Clinical Skills
- Orthopedics
- Surgery Videos
- Laparoscopy
- Pediatrics
- Funny Videos
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Nursing Videos
- Plastic Surgery
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Histology and Histopathology
- Neurosurgery
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Urology
- Dentistry
- Oncology and Cancers
- Anatomy Videos
- Health and Fitness
- Radiology
- Anaesthesia
- Physical Therapy
- Pharmacology
- Interventional Radiology
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Gynecology
- Emergency Medicine
- Psychiatry and Psychology
- Childbirth Videos
- General Medical Videos
- Nephrology
- Physiology
- Diet and Food Health
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Neurology
- Women Health
- Osteoporosis
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
- Hematology
- Rheumatology
- Toxicology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Disease
- Reproductive Health
- Burns and Wound Healing
- Kidney Zone Podcast
- Other
Lithium
Pronounced LITH-ee-um
Brand names: Lithobid, Eskalith
Type: Mood stabilizer · All Mental Health Medicines
What Lithium is used for
- Bipolar disorder (mania and maintenance)
- Added to antidepressants in some cases
◆ Kidney note
Cleared entirely by the kidneys; long-term use can itself reduce kidney function and cause a form of diabetes insipidus with heavy urination, so kidney tests and levels are followed for as long as it is taken.
Common side effects
- Increased thirst and urination
- Tremor of the hands
- Nausea
- Weight gain
- Acne
Important cautions
- The safe range is narrow — regular blood level checks are essential, and dehydration, illness, or new water pills or NSAID pain relievers can push levels into the toxic range (confusion, severe tremor, vomiting)
- Long-term use can lower thyroid function and affect the kidneys and calcium — all are monitored
How it comes
Tablets, extended-release tablets, capsules, liquid. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.
Toxicity lists: Lithium also appears on Medicines That Can Harm the Kidneys.
Related medicines — Mental Health Medicines
Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.