Lithium carbonate is a prescription drug used to treat mania and mixed episodes related to bipolar I disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that can affect a person's mood. It can also affect energy levels, activity, and thoughts. People with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood swings that include mania and depression.

Manic episodes cause increased energy and excitement. A person in a manic episode may experience a decreased need for sleep, trouble concentrating, and participation in risky behavior. Depression, on the other hand, causes low energy, sadness, and loss of interest in once enjoyable activities. It can also involve sleep disturbances, weight changes, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Some people may also experience mixed episodes, where mania and depression occur simultaneously.

Lithium carbonate is effective in controlling symptoms of mania and bipolar I disorder. While it can manage your symptoms, it is important to note that it is not a cure for either condition.

No, lithium is classified as a mood stabilizer, not an antipsychotic. It helps to balance mood and prevent episodes of mania and depression.

Antipsychotics are used to treat psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Antipsychotics may be used with other medications to help manage bipolar disorder.

No, lithium is not available over the counter. Lithium is available by prescription only from a licensed provider or psychiatrist.

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Initially, when you start taking lithium, you may experience gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. As your body adjusts, those side effects should go away. If they come back after you have been using lithium for a while, you may have lithium toxicity and should alert your provider.

Lithium can also cause tremors, increased thirst, increased urination, and a metallic taste in the mouth. Lithium can also alter your cognition. You may have trouble with memory and mental alertness. Lithium toxicity can also cause cognitive impairment, so blood levels should be monitored regularly.

Regarding mood and behaviors, lithium will help you have better control of your emotions and actions. Lithium calms down overactive brain activity. In some people, this can blunt their emotions, leading to a lack of motivation or decreased joy. If you experience major mood shifts while taking lithium, reach out to your provider.

Get emergency care right away if you are experiencing severe symptoms, signs of toxicity, or signs of an allergic reaction.

Several other medications can be used to treat mood disorders, including anti-seizure medications, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics.

Medications used for bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions include:

• Aripiprazole (Abilify)
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• Cariprazine (Vraylar)
• Divalproex (Depakote)
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
• Lurasidone (Latuda)
• Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
• Quetiapine (Seroquel)
• Risperidone (Risperdal)
• Ziprasidone (Geodon)

Lithium is a narrow-therapeutic-index drug. Small differences in dosage can result in ineffectiveness or toxicity. It is important to regularly monitor lithium levels to ensure they remain within the target range.

Older adults, those with kidney dysfunction, or those who are dehydrated are at an increased risk of lithium toxicity. Also, people who take ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics, and NSAIDs should not use lithium, as these drugs can increase lithium levels.

Symptoms of lithium toxicity include:

Abnormal heart rhythms

• Confusion
• Diarrhea
• Impaired balance or coordination
• Nausea
• Ringing in the ears
• Seizures
• Slurred speech
• Vomiting

Get help right away if you are experiencing signs of lithium toxicity.