Lithium and other mood stabilisers

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lithium

Lithium is a mineral that occurs naturally in the environment. It can be prescribed as lithium carbonate (Camcolit, Liskonum, Lithonate, Priadel) or lithium citrate (Litarex; Li-liquid, Priadel) to be used as a mood stabiliser.

When you are first prescribed lithium, your doctor should give you a purple lithium treatment pack. This pack should include:

• An information booklet (there's an example on the NHS website here).
• A lithium alert card (there's an example on the NHS website here). You should always carry this card with you, and show it to any health professional before they treat you for any condition (including your dentist).
• A record book for blood test results.

You can find more detailed information about lithium in the official Patient Information Leaflet (PIL), including what it's for, how to take it, possible side effects and important safety information. This leaflet should come with your medication (usually inside the box). You can also access it online as a PDF by clicking the link here:

• lithium carbonate – 200mg & 400mg tablets
• lithium carbonate – 520mg/5ml liquid
• lithium citrate – 509mg/5ml oral syrup (liquid)
• lithium citrate – 1018mg/5ml oral syrup (liquid)

If a drug can come in different forms (such as tablets or liquid), there may be a separate PIL for each one. You should look at the PIL for the particular form and dose you've been prescribed. All PILs are available online on the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC).

If you have any questions about your medication you can talk to your doctor, someone at your pharmacy or call NHS 111.

What else might I want to know?

• About psychiatric medication. For what you should know before taking any psychiatric drug, receiving the right medication for you, and your right to refuse medication see our pages on psychiatric medication.
• About mood stabilisers. For what they are, how they can help, what to know before taking them and alternatives you could try, see our pages on mood stabilisers.
• About side effects. For what to do if you experience a side effect see our page on coping with side effects.
• About coming off medication. For information on making your decision, planning withdrawal and withdrawal symptoms see our pages on coming off psychiatric drugs.
• About accessing treatment. For information on this see our pages on seeking help for a mental health problem.
• About interactions with recreational drugs and alcohol. For information on this see our page on drugs and medication.

This information was published in April 2017. 

References are available on request. If you would like to reproduce any of this information, see our page on permissions and licensing.

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