Mood stabiliserPrescription only
Lithium
Tablet
Quick Summary
Lithium is very effective for bipolar disorder but needs regular blood tests.
Bipolar disorder
Severe depression
Medical Uses
Bipolar disorder: Long-term prevention.
Severe depression: Add-on.
How it's taken
Take at the same times each day. Regular blood tests keep the level in the safe range. Drink enough fluids.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Tremor
Fine shaking.
Thirst and passing urine
Common.
Thyroid and kidney effects
Monitored.
Interactions
Water tablets, ACE inhibitors and NSAIDs
Raise lithium levels.
Dehydration
Raises levels.
Critical Warnings
Toxicity
Black Box Warning: Vomiting, diarrhoea, unsteadiness, confusion: get urgent help.
Pregnancy
Needs specialist advice.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Lithium: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Lithium: a medicine to treat mood disorders such as mania and bipolar disorder(opens in a new tab) · NHS