Lithium Therapy for Bipolar Disorder 

Toxicity Levels: 

 - Mild (1-1.5 mEq/L) 

 - Moderate (1.6-2.5 mEq/L) 

 - Severe (>2.5 mEq/L) 

Common Side Effects: acne, CV problems, xerostomia, polydipsia, polyuria, weight gain

Toxicity Symptoms: tremor, slurred speech, confusion, drowsiness, vomiting, declining renal function 

Common Interactions: NSAIDs, ACEI/ARB, and diuretics all increase lithium levels 



Lithium is a medication that can be used as a maintenance agent for treatment of bipolar disorder. Lithium is usually dosed once daily (as tolerated), and titrated to a target serum level. It's important that if you order a lithium level, you should educate patients to go to the lab about 12 hours after their last dose. If levels are high, patients are at risk for lithium toxicity and can experience a variety of symptoms. Common drug interactions (NSAIDs, ACEI/ARB, and diuretics) include these drugs that also affect sodium.



Jarred Prudencio, PharmD - https://www.instagram.com/ambcarerx



#Lithium #Bipolar #Disorder #BPD #Toxicity #Pharmacology #Psychiatry