Side Effects of Lithium to Be Aware of

Lithium is a medication regularly used to effectively treat and manage symptoms of bipolar disorder and depression. Bipolar disorder affects an estimated 2.8% of adults in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Like any drug, Lithium has known side effects. 

It’s vital for anyone taking Lithium to be aware of the potential reactions that may occur. Your doctor will discuss any significant warning signs associated with taking Lithium, but you can do additional research to be even more informed on drug information. 

Read on to learn about common and severe Lithium side effects, how long they last, what long-term concerns you should know about, and how you can manage any bothersome effects of this drug. 

Common Side Effects of Lithium

Though Lithium can be beneficial in treating bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions, weighing the potential side effects before beginning treatment is essential. Common side effects of Lithium might include:

• Nausea
• Excessive thirst
• Vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Rashes and other skin conditions, like acne
• Diarrhea
• Mild hand tremor
• Gradual weight gain
• Elevated sodium levels

Nausea 

Feeling nauseous is a potential reaction to Lithium. Research shows that an estimated 10 – 20% of people who take Lithium experience nausea, which often occurs shortly after starting therapy or increasing the dosage. Taking anti-nausea medications might help reduce symptoms, and eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day can also help. 

Increased thirst

Intense thirst is another common side effect of Lithium use. It can lead to dehydration if not monitored closely. Consuming enough water every day can help sustain hydration and prevent this symptom from becoming more serious.

Fatigue and drowsiness

Feeling drowsy or tired is common when taking Lithium. To manage this Lithium side effect, get enough rest each night. Avoid activities demanding alertness — like driving — until you know how Lithium will affect you.  

Diarrhea

One of the less frequent but still-possible Lithium medication side effects is diarrhea. Diarrhea can last several days, depending on how much Lithium was taken. To lessen the severity, drink plenty of water and electrolytes and take probiotics (if a doctor approves). 

“Lithium is an excellent medication and still considered the gold standard for treating bipolar disorder. Lithium is one of the medicines researched to show having anti-suicidal effects. Before your doctor prescribes Lithium, you would get some blood work done. Doctors check the Lithium levels at different intervals of your treatment.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir 

Serious Side Effects of Lithium

Though rare, some people may experience more severe side effects from Lithium treatment, including:

• Seizures
• Confusion and disorientation
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Kidney failure (especially if taking high doses)
• Thyroid problems — like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)

In addition to physical symptoms, psychological effects like anxiety, agitation, depression, and suicidal thoughts may arise, which require immediate medical attention.

Lithium toxicity

Lithium toxicity is a potentially serious complication of long-term Lithium use. This can occur when too much Lithium builds up in the body due to either overdose or incorrect dosing instructions being followed. 

Toxicity can be acute, chronic, or acute-on-chronic — each of these types are caused by different things, such as taking too much Lithium at once, taking a small amount over your recommended Lithium dose over a long period, or suddenly taking an extra dose after being on Lithium for a long time. 

Symptoms of Lithium toxicity may include:

• Gastrointestinal disturbances
• Neuromuscular symptoms
• Cognitive impairment
• In severe cases, coma or seizure 

Seek medical professional help immediately if any signs of Lithium toxicity are present.  

Serotonin syndrome

Combining certain medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), with Lithium can cause serious complications due to elevated serotonin levels. 

Symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Sweating profusely
• Shivering uncontrollably
• Rapid heartbeat
• Elevated blood pressure
  

Getting a medical professional’s attention without delay is imperative if you recognize any signs of serotonin syndrome.

How Long Do Lithium Side Effects Last?

How long the side effects of Lithium medication can last depends on multiple factors. How severe they were initially is one determiner. Milder reactions often resolve within a few days, while more severe ones may take longer. Always speak with your doctor about what’s best for you and your situation.

Long-Term Side Effects of Lithium

Lithium side effects long-term can lead to symptoms like heightened thirst, more frequent urination, weight gain, shaking, muscle weakness or fatigue, vision blurring, slowed cognitive functions, and memory difficulties. 

Thyroid dysfunction and kidney damage are potentially serious health issues that may occur in rare cases. Regular blood tests are important to monitor Lithium levels during long-term use.

Weight gain

If you’re wondering if Lithium causes weight gain, the short answer is yes. Lithium treatment is associated with gradual weight gain in some individuals. If you’re on Lithium, talk to your physician about how you can maintain a healthy weight while taking the drug.

Thyroid problems

Long-term use of Lithium can affect the thyroid gland and lead to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of thyroid issues include:

• Fatigue
• Changes in appetite
• Weight gain or loss

Keeping a close eye on your thyroid function if you are utilizing Lithium over an extended period is essential.

Kidney damage

Prolonged use of Lithium has been linked to kidney damage due to an accumulation in the body over time. This can be especially true if someone takes too much Lithium at once or isn’t careful about staying hydrated or maintaining nutrition levels throughout treatment. 

Your doctor should monitor your kidney function periodically when you take Lithium, so any damage can be detected early on and treated appropriately before serious complications arise.

How to Manage Lithium Side Effects

To maximize the effectiveness of Lithium therapy, it’s important to understand and manage its potential side effects. 

Here are 7 tips for managing the common and serious Lithium side effects long term:

1. Monitor your blood levels

Lithium toxicity is a real risk, so monitoring your blood levels is essential. Your doctor will likely order tests periodically to ensure the dosage is not too high or low. If the results come back abnormal, they may adjust your Lithium dose accordingly.

2. Take medication as prescribed

It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking any medications, including Lithium. Taking more than prescribed could lead to dangerous side effects like serotonin syndrome or even death in extreme cases. Additionally, missing doses could cause symptoms of mania or depression to return.

3. Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated helps reduce some of the more common Lithium side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. Drinking enough fluids also helps flush out the body, which can reduce bloating and other gastrointestinal issues caused by this medication. Drinking at least 8 glasses daily is recommended for optimal health benefits.

“An increased dose of Lithium can cause tremors and weakness that worsens while you walk. While taking Lithium, patients have to be careful to monitor their water intake and not get dehydrated.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir 

4. Avoid alcohol

Alcohol should be avoided when taking Lithium since it can increase toxicity levels in the body, leading to serious complications such as seizures, confusion, coma, or even death. Even very small amounts of alcohol should be carefully monitored or avoided because simultaneous drug interactions can cause adverse effects.

5. Get enough rest

A steady sleep routine is essential for controlling the consequences of extended Lithium use, such as snooze disruptions. To ensure you get enough shut-eye each night, try establishing healthy sleeping habits like setting a consistent bedtime, cutting out caffeine after sundown, and limiting screen time before bed.  

6. Stay active

Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety. Daily exercise releases endorphins which act as natural mood stabilizers, helping to combat depression or manic episode occurrences. Incorporating an exercise regimen into your daily life can be an effective way to control the repercussions of prolonged Lithium usage.  

7. Practice self-care

Stress management is a crucial component of achieving optimal mental health. Being kind to yourself and practicing self-care can be instrumental in dealing with both symptoms of a condition and the side effects of medication. Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing techniques can distract the mind and center your thoughts. 

Managing Lithium side effects can be challenging, but it is possible with proper guidance and support. If side effects don’t go away, make sure to talk to a doctor first before stopping medication. Quitting cold turkey can result in Lithium withdrawal symptoms that may bring more discomfort than the medication’s side effects.

See If Lithium Is Right for You with Talkspace Psychiatry

Before you decide if it’s the right treatment for you, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects of Lithium use. A Talkspace psychiatrist can help you understand these risks and determine whether this medication might be effective. 

Although there can be adverse effects with Lithium, you might be able to moderate or decrease them. It’s important to remember that the potential benefits of taking Lithium may outweigh any risks posed by its possible side effects. If you believe Lithium may be helpful in treating your condition, it’s worth discussing with your doctor. You can get a prescription for Lithium online with Talkspace if one of our psychiatric providers includes it in your treatment plan. Get connected with someone today.