Lithium

What is this medication?

Lithium is a prescription medication primarily used as a mood stabilizer to treat and prevent manic episodes in people diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It helps to decrease the intensity of abnormal activity in the brain, effectively leveling out extreme mood swings that range from high energy or agitation to low periods of depression. By stabilizing these shifts, the medication assists patients in maintaining more control over their daily emotions and behavior.

Beyond its use in treating acute mania, lithium is often prescribed for long term maintenance to reduce the frequency of future mood disturbances. It works by influencing the way certain chemicals and ions, such as sodium, interact with nerve and muscle cells in the body. Because it can be toxic at high levels, patients taking lithium must undergo regular blood tests to ensure the dosage remains within a safe and effective therapeutic range.