Lithium: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When doctors talk about lithium, a simple salt used for decades to stabilize extreme mood swings. Also known as lithium carbonate, it's one of the oldest and most studied treatments for bipolar disorder, a condition marked by intense highs and lows in mood. Unlike newer drugs, lithium doesn't just mask symptoms—it can change the course of the illness for many people.

But lithium isn't a quick fix. It takes weeks to work, and you can't just stop taking it. That's because it affects how brain cells communicate, especially around serotonin and dopamine. It also requires regular lithium blood levels, blood tests that check if the dose is safe and effective. Too little and it won't help; too much and it can poison you. That’s why people on lithium often get blood drawn every few months—no exceptions. Side effects like shaky hands, frequent urination, or weight gain are common, but they often fade. Still, if you feel confused, vomit, or your legs feel weak, call your doctor. Those could be signs of toxicity.

Many people wonder if lithium is still worth it when there are so many newer pills. The answer? For a lot of people, yes. Studies show lithium reduces suicide risk better than almost any other mood drug. It also helps prevent both manic and depressive episodes long-term. That’s rare. Other mood stabilizers like valproate or lamotrigine help too, but they don’t offer the same level of protection against suicide. And while some side effects are annoying, most people learn to live with them—especially when their moods finally stabilize.

What you’ll find in these posts isn’t just a list of facts. It’s real talk about what it’s like to live with lithium: when to push through side effects, when to demand a change, how it interacts with other meds, and why some people switch while others stay for years. You’ll see how it compares to newer options, what to watch for in the long run, and how to talk to your doctor about it without sounding scared or confused. This isn’t theory. It’s what people actually deal with—and how they make it work.