Lithium is mainly prescribed as a mood stabiliser, especially for bipolar disorder, and can also be used in certain types of depression, mania, and other mental health conditions. It is a serious, tightly monitored medicine that requires regular blood tests and medical supervision.

What lithium is prescribed for

  • Bipolar disorder (especially to prevent mood swings and manic episodes).
  • Acute mania and hypomania, where someone feels unusually “high,” overactive, or agitated.
  • Long‑term stabilisation of mood to reduce relapses into mania or depression.
  • Recurrent or treatment‑resistant depression, often as an add‑on to antidepressants (off‑label in some countries).
  • Schizophrenia and certain impulse‑control or behavioural disorders, usually as an add‑on when other treatments are not enough (off‑label).
  • Reduction of self‑harm or suicidal behaviour in some people with mood disorders.

If you or someone you know is feeling unsafe or thinking about self‑harm or suicide, seek emergency or crisis help immediately. This needs urgent, in‑person support.

How lithium is usually taken

  • Taken daily as tablets, capsules, or liquid, often in divided doses.
  • Dose is personalised and adjusted based on blood levels; too low may not work, too high can be toxic.
  • Regular blood tests are needed to check lithium level, kidney function, and thyroid function.

Important safety points

  • Common issues can include thirst, needing to pee more, fine tremor, nausea, and weight gain.
  • Serious toxicity can cause severe tremor, confusion, vomiting, unsteady walking, or seizures and is a medical emergency.
  • Dehydration, sudden changes in salt intake, some painkillers (like NSAIDs), diuretics, and some blood‑pressure drugs can raise lithium levels dangerously.

When lithium might be considered

  • Recurrent manic or hypomanic episodes.
  • Bipolar disorder with frequent relapses or strong family history.
  • Depression that has not responded well to several antidepressants or other strategies.

Quick Scoop (as requested)

  • Main use: long‑term treatment of bipolar disorder and mania.
  • Also used as an add‑on for some depressions and other psychiatric conditions.
  • Needs strict monitoring because the effective dose is close to the toxic dose.
  • Never start, stop, or change lithium without a prescriber who can monitor levels.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.