Lithium ER is the extended-release version of lithium carbonate - a prescription drug used to treat mania and mixed episodes related to bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder affects over 2 million people in the United States annually. Mania is one of two episodes or swings you experience when you have bipolar disorder. This might be expressed in feelings of euphoria, energy, and sometimes irritability. The other side of the spectrum, depression, swings your mood the opposite direction, resulting in feeling sad, hopeless, or unmotivated even in normal daily activities. It is called a “mixed episode,” when symptoms of both sides of the spectrum occur at the same time or in quick succession without any time in between to recover.

Lithium extended-release releases the medication more gradually than the immediate-release version. As a result, it is longer acting, allowing you to take it less frequently, and provides a more consistent dose of the medicine. Lithium ER may not be right for everyone. Consult with your doctor about which version is right for you.

Lithium ER is primarily used to treat manic and mixed episodes caused by bipolar disorder. It is also sometimes used to treat depression, schizophrenia, disorders of impulse control, and other uses.

Lithium ER has shown to be effective in controlling symptoms for these disorders. It is important to note, however, that it is not a cure for these conditions.

While lithium ER is still being studied, research suggests that it helps to stabilize your mood by helping to restore the function of mood and impulse controlling neurotransmitters.

You should not use lithium ER if you have severe renal impairment. Do not stop taking lithium or change the amount of salt in your diet unless otherwise instructed to by your doctor.

While adverse reactions to lithium ER are uncommon, some patients who take the drug may experience mild side effects, including:

• Skin problems such as rash, itching, acne, paleness
• Brittle hair or fingernails, or hair loss
• Mild thirst, loss of appetite, gas, indigestion, constipation, loss of ability to taste food, stomach pain
• Heightened discomfort in the cold
• Pain the joints or muscles
• Swollen lips, excessive saliva in the mouth, dry mouth
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Uncontrollable small hand movements

If these symptoms persist or become severe, tell your doctor. In some cases, symptoms can be a sign of something serious. Seek immediate medical attention or call your doctor right away if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

• Blackouts
• Seizures
• Confusion
• Headache
• See or hear things that do not exist (hallucinations)
• Urinating frequently
• Feeling overly tired or weak
• Having jerky movements, or have movements that you can’t control
• Chest tightness, shortness of breath, or fast/slow/irregular/pounding heartbeats
• Crossed eyes
• Cold, discolored or painful toes and fingers
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Fainting
• Excessively thirsty
• Hear pounding noises inside your head.

Stop using lithium ER and call your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Diarrhea and/or vomiting
• Your speech becomes slurred
• Feel overly giddy
• Hear ringing in your ears
• Blurred vision
• If your muscles twitch, weaken, become tight or feel weak
• Lose coordination or have a body part that shakes or you cannot control.

This is not a complete list of side effects. For more information on adverse effects you may experience while taking lithium ER, please visit the National Institutes of Health’s DailyMed webpage.

If you’re being treated for acute mania, the typical starting dose for lithium ER is 900 mg taken twice a day or 600 mg three times a day. For long-term treatment of mania your doctor may prescribe 600 mg two to three times per day.

The dose of this medication will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. Your doctor will likely monitor you to ensure you are receiving the proper dosage.

Do not crush or chew this medication. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

Lithium ER is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not lithium ER is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Yes! Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your clinician.