A young Black woman in a wheelchair talking to a young Black man on a bench in the park. The woman is laughing while the man explains something.

Lithium

  • Medication name

    Lithium ("LITH-ee-um")

  • Brand names

    Priadel® ("PRI-a-del")

    Liskonum® ("LIS-ko-num”)

    Camcolit® ("CAM-col-it")

  • Medication type

    Mood stabiliser

About lithium

Lithium helps keep your mood from becoming too low or too high.

In bipolar disorder, lithium can reduce both the number and severity of relapses. It is a little better at preventing manic relapses than depressive relapses.

Lithium can also be added to an antidepressant to boost the antidepressant effect.

We do not fully understand how lithium works as a mood stabiliser although it is thought to be very complex. It can alter the metabolism of chemical messengers in the brain (neurotransmitters) and have an effect on signalling within and between cells in the brain. Lithium might also be involved in triggering neurogenesis in parts of the brain. This is a process where new nerve cells are formed and may contribute towards improving mood.

Lithium and everyday life

Information and safety considerations

Your doctor will consider any other medical conditions or symptoms you have before recommending a medicine for you.

Your medicine will come with a ‘patient information leaflet’. It’s important that you read this information. Speak to your pharmacist if:

  • you’re not given a leaflet
  • you don’t understand the information
  • you need it in a different format or language
  • you’re concerned about something you’ve read

The information leaflet also includes a list of warnings and precautions to consider before you take the medicine. If you think that any of these apply to you and are concerned that your doctor is not already aware of them, check with your doctor or pharmacist before you start to take your medication (or as soon as possible if you are already taking it).

Uses, warnings, safety and side effects

Taking lithium

Warnings and safety

Side effects and your health

More on medications

Related medications

You might also be interested in these related medications.

Understanding medication

Browse all our medications or look up key terms in our medications glossary.

About this information

The information on this page was reviewed by the College of Mental Health Pharmacy in September 2024.

Visit the CMHP website
College of mental health pharmacy logo.