Research has shown that Lithium is not addictive or habit-forming, and one cannot develop a tolerance to it. There are no withdrawal symptoms or cravings when refraining from taking Lithium, a deciding factor on whether or not a substance is addictive.
Although there is no such thing as lithium addiction, lithium abuse can occur. There may be other side effects when stopping the medication suddenly, so it is not advised to stop cold turkey without a doctor’s supervision.
What is Lithium?
Lithium is an element on the periodic table, a light metal abbreviated as LI. Also known as Lithium Orotate, it is a medication used to stabilize mood and is prescribed to treat various mental health disorders. It interacts with and adjusts the hormones in the brain- particularly serotonin and dopamine- to help people control their emotions.
It is widely used to treat the following mental health disorders:
- Mania
- Bipolar Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Treatment-resistant depression
It is important to mention that Lithium can not cure mental health disorders- it can only help the person manage it. For this reason, even if you’re feeling better, do not stop taking Lithium before reaching out to a mental health professional or consulting with your primary care practitioner.
Benefits of Lithium
Lithium has been proven a very effective drug, specifically for Bipolar Disorder, although exactly how it works to manage both manic and depressive episodes is unknown. It is also considered a relatively safe drug since it is not addictive, like other medications used to treat mental and emotional disorders. Lithium can be safely taken concurrently with antidepressants and is effective in minimizing suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
How Long Does Lithium Take to Work?
It takes around 1-3 weeks for Lithium to start having an effect on the body. For many people, it can take months for it to start working, and for others, the dose will have to be adjusted, or other medications will have to be taken alongside Lithium for it to be effective.
Side Effects of Lithium Orotate
Lithium has some side effects, like every drug, although they are considered relatively uncommon. People struggling with the short-term and long-term effects of Lithium are urged to consider the benefits of having their mental health condition under control before deciding to stop taking the medication. Additionally, people who take Lithium over a long period of time may experience damage to the kidneys and thyroid. For this reason, people taking Lithium are required to undergo blood tests periodically.
The short-term effects of Lithium include:
- Muscle weakness
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Long-Term Effects Of Lithium
The long-term effects of Lithium on the body include:
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Fatigue
- Acne
- Shaky hands
- Headache
- Weight changes
The long-term effects of Lithium on the brain (when Lithium is used for at least 10-20 years):
- Decline in cognitive function
- Lithium-induced interstitial nephropathy
Lithium Toxicity
Lithium has a ‘narrow therapeutic index,’ which means that a little more than the correct dosage can be harmful to the body. Taking too much at one time or a little too much over the course of time can lead to Lithium toxicity, an unusual occurrence but devastating nonetheless. Below are some symptoms of lithium toxicity:
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Muscle twitches
- Stomach pain
- Psychosis
- Diarrhea
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Seizures
- Slurred speech
- Kidney failure
- Coma
If you experience some of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from Lithium toxicity. Reach out to Poison Control immediately to receive assistance.
Lithium and Pregnancy
Many women using lithium wonder if they can become pregnant. There is not much available research on lithium and pregnancy, but there has been some evidence of birth defects and other fetal abnormalities when the mother takes lithium during pregnancy. Many people argue that the possibility of worsened mental illness when lithium is ceased completely during pregnancy should be weighed against the possible abnormalities that can occur in the fetus. If you are taking lithium and are considering getting pregnant, reach out to your mental health professional to discuss the best course of action.
The question of lithium and breastfeeding is also a topic that women using lithium may wonder about. Generally, it is safe for the mother to take lithium while breastfeeding the baby, although, once again, there has not been sufficient evidence as of yet to prove this.
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