Lithium, also known as Li, is is an alkali metal in the same family as sodium, potassium and other elements. It gets its name from "lithos," the Greek word for stone, because it is present in trace amounts in virtually all rocks. Lithium works with other elements, drugs, enzymes, hormones, vitamins, and growth factors in the body in many different ways. People use it for medicine, especially for mental illnesses. Exactly how lithium works is unknown, but it might help mental disorders by increasing the activity of chemical messengers in the brain.
Lithium is a soft, silvery metal, it has many uses, including the production of glass, lithium batteries, and a strong, light alloy with aluminum for airplanes. It is also used to make cell phones. An unknown amount of lithium is used as lithium hydride in the production of nuclear weapons.
Lithium can be used as a coolant due to its high specific heat capacity. Compounds of lithium give fireworks and flares a red color. LiOH (lithium hydroxide) is used to make lithium soaps. These soaps are used to manufacture lubricating greases.
Lithium carbonate is used in the treatment of mental illness, including bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia; for eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia; and for blood disorders, including anemia and low white-cell count (neutropenia).
Lithium is also used for headache, alcoholism, epilepsy, diabetes, liver disease, kidney disorders, arthritis, a skin condition called seborrhea, and overactive thyroid. Other uses include treatment of asthma, Huntington’s disease, Graves’ disease, herpes simplex, a movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia, Tourette’s syndrome, cyclical vomiting, Meniere’s disease, a tingling or “crawling” sensation in the skin (paresthesias), and aggressive behavior in people with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Lithium is one of the minerals used by the brain to balance brain functions. Many doctors use compound forms of Lithium for treating various kinds of brain dysfunction problems. Lithium should be used in conjunction with magnesium. Magnesium aids in the electrical transfer that the Lithium causes to happen.
Studies show that the mineral lithium can actually rejuvenate and build the grey matter nerve cells in the brain by up to three percent.
Lithium has been shown to protect the system from numerous toxins, particularly in the grey matter of the brain.
Small amounts of lithium orotate have been shown to offer anti-aging effects to the brain.
Orotates may lessen effects of manic or depressive episodes. Lithium has been shown to serve as an effective mood balancer in 70-80 percent of bipolar patients (see "Lithium Reviews").
Bipolar disorder is a severe mood disorder characterized by manic or depressive episodes that usually cycle back and forth between depression and mania. The depressive phase is characterized by sluggishness (inertia), loss of self-esteem, helplessness, withdrawal and sadness, with suicide being a risk. The manic phase is characterized by elation, hyperactivity, over-involvement in activities, inflated self-esteem, a tendency to be easily distracted, and little need for sleep. In either phase there is frequently a dependence on alcohol or other substances of abuse. The disorder first appears between the ages of 15 and 25 and affects men and women equally. The incidence is higher in relatives of people with bipolar disorders. A psychiatric history of mood swings, and an observation of current behavior and mood are important in the diagnosis of this disorder.
Hospitalization may be required during an acute phase to control the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder. Antidepressant drugs may be given; anticonvulsants (Carbamazepine, Valproic acid, Depakote) may also be used. (These substances deplete body stores of L-carnitine and Taurine. Supplementation with several grams daily of these supplements greatly ameliorates adverse side effects of these drugs).
Lithium, however, is the treatment of choice for recurring bipolar (manic/depressive) illness, serving as an effective mood enhancer in 70-80 percent of bipolar patients.
The mortality of manic-depressive patients is markedly higher than that of the general population. The increased mortality is mainly, but not exclusively, caused by suicide. Studies have shown that the mortality of manic-depressive patients given long-term lithium treatment is markedly lower than that of patients not receiving lithium. The frequency of suicidal acts among treated patients is significantly lower than patients given other antidepressants or carbamazepine. The results of mortality studies are consistent with the assumption that lithium-treatment protects against suicidal behavior.
In addition to its well-recognized benefits in the management of bipolar disorder, trials have conclusively demonstrated that lithium is also an effective treatment for recurrent unipolar depressive illness (recurrent major affective disorder). Although physicians in Europe have successfully used lithium for this indication for many years, American psychiatrists do not share their appreciation of lithium's safety and effectiveness for conditions other than MDI.
The lithium salt of orotic acid (lithium orotate/ vitamin B13) improves the specific effects of lithium many-fold by increasing lithium bio-utilization. The orotates transport the lithium to the membranes of mitochondria, lysosomes and the glia cells. Lithium orotate stabilizes the lysosomal membranes and prevents the enzyme reactions that are responsible for the sodium depletion and dehydration effects of other lithium salts. Because of the superior bioavailability of lithium orotate, the therapeutic dosage is much less than prescription forms of lithium. For example, in cases of severe depression, the therapeutic dosage of lithium orotate is 150 mg/day. This is compared to 900-1800 mg of the prescription forms. In this dosage range of lithium orotate, there are usually no adverse lithium side reactions and no need for monitoring blood serum measurements.
Although lithium is highly effective in the treatment of manic depressive illness (X4 DI), its pharmaceutical (prescription) versions, lithium carbonate and lithium citrate, must be used with caution. The reason for the caution with prescription lithium (RX) is because lithium in these forms is poorly absorbed by the cells of the body - and it is within the cells that lithium's therapeutic effects take place. Lithium ions are believed to act only at particular sites on the membranes of intracellular structures like mitochondria and lysosomes.
Consequently, because of this poor intracellular transport, high dosages of pharmaceutical forms of lithium must be taken in order to obtain a satisfactory therapeutic effect. Unfortunately, these therapeutic dosages cause blood levels to be so high that they border on toxic levels. Consequently, patients taking prescription lithium must be closely monitored for toxic blood levels. Serum lithium and serum creatinine levels of prescription lithium-treated patients should be monitored every 3-6 months.
Toxic effects of RX lithium may include hand tremors, frequent urination, thirst, nausea, and vomiting. Even higher doses may cause drowsiness, muscular weakness, poor coordination, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, and other symptoms.
There has been concern that long-term RX lithium treatment may damage kidney function, but data in this regard are equivocal. Renal insufficiency without a known cause has occurred in the general population, and the incidence of renal failure among manic-depressive patients not treated with lithium remains unknown.
Most patients treated with RX lithium are also taking other medications, and it is just as likely that the few known cases of renal failure in patients taking lithium were due to other medications that they were simultaneously taking.
Lithium has also been used with success in alleviating the pain from migraine and cluster headaches, low white blood counts, juvenile convulsive disease, schizophrenia (and related mental disorders), alcoholism and liver disorders. Dr. Nieper also reports that patients with myopia (nearsightedness) and glaucoma often benefit from the slight dehydrating effect of lithium on the eye, resulting in improvement in vision and reduction of intraocular pressure.
Lithium may also be effective for: lyme disease; alzheimer’s disease and dementia; post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as a general stress reducer; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) and aggression (studies show that individuals taking Lithium experienced lowered levels of rage and anger, as well as improved memory).
Lithium seems to be safe for most people when taken appropriately with careful monitoring by a healthcare provider. Lithium carbonate and lithium citrate have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But not enough is known about the safety of lithium orotate. Talk to your healthcare provider before using lithium orotate.
Lithium can cause nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, muscle weakness, fatigue, and a dazed feeling. These unwanted side effects often improve with continued use. Fine tremor, frequent urination, and thirst can occur and may persist with continued use. Weight gain and swelling from excess fluid can also occur. Lithium can also cause or make skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, and rashes worse. The amount of lithium in the body must be carefully controlled and is checked by blood tests.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking lithium and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
extreme thirst, urinating more or less than usual;
weakness, fever, feeling restless or confused, eye pain and vision problems;
restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
pain, cold feeling, or discoloration in your fingers or toes;
feeling light-headed, fainting, slow heart rate;
hallucinations, seizure (blackout or convulsions);
fever with muscle stiffness, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats; or
early signs of lithium toxicity, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, muscle weakness, fatigue, tremor, lack of coordination, blurred vision, a dazed feeling, or ringing in your ears.
Weight gain and swelling from excess fluid can also occur. Lithium can also cause or make skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, and rashes worse. The amount of lithium in the body must be carefully controlled and is checked by blood tests. Fine tremor, frequent urination, and thirst can occur and may persist with continued use.
Less serious side effects may include:
mild tremor of the hands;
weakness, lack of coordination;
mild nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain or upset;
thinning or drying of the hair; or
itching skin.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effects. You may report side effects to FDA.
Pregnancy and
breast-feeding: Lithium must not be used during pregnancy.
Lithium can poison a developing baby (fetus) and can increase the
risk of birth defects, including heart problems.
Lithium
treatment is UNSAFE in women who are breast-feeding. Lithium
can enter breast milk and cause unwanted side effects in a nursing
infant.
Heart disease: Lithium may cause irregular
heart rhythms. This may be a problem, especially for people who have
heart disease.
Kidney disease: Lithium is removed from
the body by the kidneys. In people with kidney disease, the amount of
lithium that is given might need to be reduced.
Surgery:
Lithium might change levels of serotonin, a chemical that affects the
central nervous system. There is some concern that lithium might
interfere with surgical procedures that often involve anesthesia and
other drugs that affect the central nervous system. Lithium use
should be stopped, with the approval of a healthcare provider, at
least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Thyroid
disease: Lithium might make thyroid problems worse. Talk to your
healthcare provider before using lithium supplements.
ACUTE TOXICITY
After taking too much lithium you will have symptoms such as:
You may also have some of the following nervous system symptoms, depending on how much lithium you took:
Hand tremors
Incoordination of arms and legs (ataxia)
Muscle twitches
Seizures
Slurred speech
Uncontrollable eye movement (nystagmus)
Heart problems may occur in rare cases.
CHRONIC TOXICITY
You will likely not have any gastrointestinal symptoms. Symptoms that may occur include:
Increased reflexes
Slurred speech
Tremors
In severe cases, you may also have nervous system and kidney problems such as:
Kidney failure
Memory problems
Movement disorders
Problems keeping salts in your body
Psychosis
Before taking lithium, tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, especially any of the following:
acetazolamide (Diamox);
aminophylline (Truphylline) or theophylline (Elixophyllin, Respbid, Theo-Bid, Theo-Dur, Uniphyl);
sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer, Bicitra, Polycitra, or baking soda home remedy antacid);
carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);
fluoxetine (Prozac);
metronidazole (Flagyl);
potassium iodide thyroid medication (Pima);
an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik);
a calcium channel blocker such as diltiazem (Tiazac, Cartia, Cardizem) or verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan);
a diuretic (water pill) such as amiloride (Midamor, Moduretic), bumetanide (Bumex), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Hyzaar, Vasoretic,Zestoretic), indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn), spironolactone (Aldactazide, Aldactone), triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide, Dyazide), torsemide (Demadex), and others;
medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, such as haloperidol (Haldol), aripiprazole (Abilify), chlorpromazine (Thorazine), clozapine (Clozaril, Fazaclo), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), pimozide (Orap), risperidone (Risperdal), or ziprasidone (Geodon); or
celecoxib (Celebrex) or an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren), diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
For acute manic episodes: 1.8 g or 20-30 mg per kg of lithium carbonate per day in 2-3 divided doses. Some healthcare providers begin therapy at 600-900 mg per day and gradually increase the dose.
For bipolar disorder and other psychiatric conditions: The usual adult dose is 900 mg to 1.2 g per day in 2-4 divided doses. 24-32 mEq of lithium citrate solution, given in 2-4 divided doses daily, has also been used. Doses usually should not exceed 2.4 g of lithium carbonate or 65 mEq lithium citrate daily. For children, 15-60 mg per kg (0.4-1.6 mEq per kg) per day in divided doses has been used.
Lithium may be given as a single daily dose, but is usually given in divided doses to lessen side effects.
Stopping lithium therapy suddenly increases the chance that symptoms of bipolar disorder will return. The dose of lithium should be reduced gradually over at least 14 days.
There is no recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for lithium. A provisional RDA of 1 mg per day for a 70 kg adult has been suggested.
The following reviews have been selected:
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Review by cherney...:
User Rating: 9.0
lithium for Bipolar Disorder: I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2007. I have been on lithium 600mg for the past year and a half. I feel so much better now. I haven't felt this good in a long time. I work in health care as a nurse and I would encourage anyone who is having mood swings to go and see your doctor. Don't be embarrased, just go. You will be so happy that you did. I know that I do. My best to you all out there. Remember to always put your health first. Take care of yourselves.
53 users found this comment helpful.
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Review by Shadee:
User Rating: 9.0
I spent years having horrible reactions to that time's crop of popular medicines. I am not bipolar and have never had mania. As a last resort because nothing else worked on my chronic depression, I was given a prescription of lithium carbonate. That was 23 years ago. My side effects are that I drink a lot and pee a lot, and thinning hair... Lithium is my passport to sanity and normal life.
52 users found this comment helpful.
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Review by JohnnyZ:
User Rating: 9.0
lithium for Bipolar Disorder: Lithium is the best drug for bipolar disorder I've ever seen. I've been on it for about two years and will probably be on it for the rest of my life. I was off of it for 14 months after being on it for a little over a year. The way I felt off it was difference between night and day. My anger anxiety and stress is way less. While I also believe the medicine is not the cure just the basis, I think counselling also works.
46 users found this comment helpful.
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82 of 85 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Lithium Orotate has helped my bipolar depression and mood swings, September 17, 2006
By
A. B. Ward (Central California)
I have been using lithium orotate for a short time and have already stabilized my depression and mood swings more than any other time except when I first starting taking SAM-e about 6 years ago.
The problem I encountered with SAM-e is that my digestive system didn't tolerate it well, so I couldn't take the doses I needed to alleviate my bipolar symptoms (1200-2000 mg/day). I also noticed the same tendency other SAM-e users have had, which is to have the effectiveness of SAM-e decrease over time, necessitating higher doses to get the same effect. St. John's Wort doesn't work well for my Bipolarity because, although it alleviates my depression and gives me a sense of well being, it tends to push me into mania and panic attacks. Again, this is a common reaction to St. John's Wort among bipolar sufferers.
Lithium Orotate has already proven to be so effective for my bipolar disorder that I find myself calling people I haven't talked to in a long time, launching new projects that I have been procrastinating on, spending more quality time with our many companion animals, getting MUCH less up-tight about traffic problems (which used to be my number 1 anger producer) - in general, making me calmer and more interested in and enthusiastic about life, the result of alleviating my chronic depression without pushing me to the other polarity and making me manic.
There is an excellent article on lithium treatment for bipolar disorder in the 9/17/03 issue of the Journal of the AMA (one of the most respected sources of conventional medical information),
"Suicide Risk and Treatments for Patients With Bipolar Disorder'. Other sources indicate that lithium orotate is more efficiently absorbed than prescription lithium (lithium carbonate). It is also effective in alcoholism treatment. I know from being a recovered alcoholic that this makes sense since a number of health care practitioners believe there is a link between bipolar disorder and chemical dependency.
So I would recommend lithium orotate, but with a BIG caution:
First... I have an extensive health care library, have done massive amounts of research, have seen a psychiatrist and a physician, and have started out with very low doses and gradually increased the dosage as I've detected no adverse effects. Treating mood disorders is a dicey proposition, even for professionals, since brain chemistry isn't well understood and can be tipped into a state worse than what you started with, particularly with a condition like bipolar that can't be treated with SSRI's because they often produce manic conditions. So:
- be aware that what you're taking is just a different form of lithium than what is otherwise available only by prescription, and carries some of the same risks as taking prescription lithium. As best I can tell, the only reason that lithium orotate is available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement and not as a prescription-only drug is that it hasn't been approved as a prescribable drug by the FDA.
- do your homework before trying this or any mood altering substance. There are many good sources available on the web. If you're suffering from chronic depression rather than bipolar disorder, there are probably better supplements to take than this, such as St. John's Wort, but don't take my word or any other amateur's word on this. Your mental health is at stake! So become as knowledgeable as you can about this before trying anything.
- start very slowly and cautiously and only increase your dosage after a period of time without adverse effects
- everyone's brain chemistry is unique, so don't expect something that works in a certain way for one person to necessarily work the same way for you
- know what you're taking and any possible reactions with other substances you're taking - Rx, over the counter, and street drugs, and supplements
- in any case, consult someone knowledgeable! Most doctors aren't particularly knowledgeable about brain chemistry, so they are rarely the best source. There is just too much to know about the human body to expect any one doctor to be the ultimate source on everything. So talk to a specialist - conventional or complementary, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, holistic MD - someone who is knowledgeable about complementary therapies to mood disorders such as using lithium orotate for bipolar disorder.
I know how difficult living with a mood disorder is, so I wish you the best of moods and the happiest of lives!
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5.0 out of 5 stars So far so good, November 19, 2011
By
tatiana67
My roommate started on this a week ago when her depression just would not let up after several months. She was desperate for relief. Her medication did not seem adequate at all. So after researching options and dosages, she is taking 2 tablets 3 time a day. I know it's only been a week, but she has stabilized for the most part and is even feeling "good". She did not change any thing else. She is finally not waking up with dread, and is even making plans for the future, when about 2 weeks ago was so distraught.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Changed my life, October 25, 2011
By
Julie
I have been taking Lithium Orotate for several years. I have battled depression, panic, and anxiety my whole life. While I still have bouts of depression, some panic and anxiety, the Lithium orotate seems to have leveled me off quite a bit. I can handle things better now and get out of bed when depression gets the best of me. It may not work for everyone, but for me, it has made life a little more bearable.
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