About lithium carbonate
Mood stabilizer; antimanic agent
Used for
- Treatment and prevention of bipolar disorder
- Treatment of acute mania
Usual adult dose
Usually 600–1,800 mg daily in divided doses; adjusted using blood lithium levels.
Usual dose in children
For ages 7 and older with bipolar disorder: dosing is individualized by weight and blood levels.
Common side effects
- Nausea, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort
- Hand tremor
- Increased thirst and urination
- Weight gain or slowed thinking
Important warnings
- Toxicity can occur with small dose changes; blood-level monitoring is essential.
- Dehydration, fever, or low sodium can raise lithium levels.
- Long-term use may affect kidney or thyroid function.
- Seek urgent care for severe tremor, confusion, poor coordination, or persistent vomiting.
Pregnancy
May increase fetal heart-defect risk, especially early in pregnancy; treatment requires specialist assessment.
Breastfeeding
Lithium enters breast milk and may affect infants; use requires specialist monitoring and individualized assessment.
Interactions
- NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can raise lithium levels.
- ACE inhibitors and ARBs can raise lithium levels.
- Diuretics, especially thiazides, can raise lithium levels.
- Caffeine changes or low-sodium diets can alter lithium levels.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.