Lithium is a medication used to treat certain mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and some types of depression. It is a mood stabilizer that helps reduce feelings of mania, excited high mood, and distractedness, and helps to treat bipolar episodes. Lithium is also used on a daily basis to reduce the frequency and severity of manic episodes. Lithium is available in different forms, including slow-release tablets that must be swallowed whole with water. It is important to take lithium every day in regularly spaced doses as ordered by a doctor. Lithium is just one option for treating mental illnesses, and doctors will work with patients to decide if it is the right medicine for them.

It is important to note that lithium can have side effects, and patients should talk to their doctor about any concerns they have. Some common side effects of lithium include:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Hand tremors
• Weight gain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Patients should also avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while taking lithium, as they may decrease the benefits of the medication and increase adverse effects. Additionally, patients should avoid over-the-counter and prescription pain medications that contain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, as these medications can increase the risk of toxicity from lithium.