Side Effects of Lithium to Be Aware of — Talkspace

How to Manage Lithium Side Effects

To maximize the effectiveness of Lithium therapy, it’s important to understand and manage its potential side effects. 

Here are 7 tips for managing the common and serious Lithium side effects long term:

1. Monitor your blood levels

Lithium toxicity is a real risk, so monitoring your blood levels is essential. Your doctor will likely order tests periodically to ensure the dosage is not too high or low. If the results come back abnormal, they may adjust your Lithium dose accordingly.

2. Take medication as prescribed

It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking any medications, including Lithium. Taking more than prescribed could lead to dangerous side effects like serotonin syndrome or even death in extreme cases. Additionally, missing doses could cause symptoms of mania or depression to return.

3. Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated helps reduce some of the more common Lithium side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. Drinking enough fluids also helps flush out the body, which can reduce bloating and other gastrointestinal issues caused by this medication. Drinking at least 8 glasses daily is recommended for optimal health benefits.

“An increased dose of Lithium can cause tremors and weakness that worsens while you walk. While taking Lithium, patients have to be careful to monitor their water intake and not get dehydrated.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir 

4. Avoid alcohol

Alcohol should be avoided when taking Lithium since it can increase toxicity levels in the body, leading to serious complications such as seizures, confusion, coma, or even death. Even very small amounts of alcohol should be carefully monitored or avoided because simultaneous drug interactions can cause adverse effects.

5. Get enough rest

A steady sleep routine is essential for controlling the consequences of extended Lithium use, such as snooze disruptions. To ensure you get enough shut-eye each night, try establishing healthy sleeping habits like setting a consistent bedtime, cutting out caffeine after sundown, and limiting screen time before bed.  

6. Stay active

Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety. Daily exercise releases endorphins which act as natural mood stabilizers, helping to combat depression or manic episode occurrences. Incorporating an exercise regimen into your daily life can be an effective way to control the repercussions of prolonged Lithium usage.  

7. Practice self-care

Stress management is a crucial component of achieving optimal mental health. Being kind to yourself and practicing self-care can be instrumental in dealing with both symptoms of a condition and the side effects of medication. Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing techniques can distract the mind and center your thoughts. 

Managing Lithium side effects can be challenging, but it is possible with proper guidance and support. If side effects don’t go away, make sure to talk to a doctor first before stopping medication. Quitting cold turkey can result in Lithium withdrawal symptoms that may bring more discomfort than the medication’s side effects.