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What is Lithium Citrate
Lithium citrateThe Generic name of this drug
Lithiumis the brand name
Lithium Citrate Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Lithium
Lithium citrate
1980
4
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Lithium citrate, also called Lithium, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses including Behcet Syndrome and Acute Mania .Behcet Syndrome
Acute Mania
Effectiveness
How Lithium Citrate Affects PatientsLithium has been used to treat bipolar disorder for over 50 years, but it is not yet known exactly how it works. It is thought that lithium's effects may be due to blocking certain enzymes or influencing glutamate receptors in the brain.
How Lithium Citrate works in the bodyThe exact way that lithium works to stabilize mood is still unknown. One possible theory is that lithium may work by adjusting the levels of glutamate, a stimulatory neurotransmitter, in the brain. Too much glutamate can cause mania, and too little can cause depression. Lithium may also affect an enzyme called inositol monophosphatase, or it may work by blocking an enzyme called GSK-3B, which is involved in controlling the body's internal clock. Finally, lithium may increase levels of beta catenin, a protein that influences how the brain responds to damaged DNA.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Lithium Citrate is contingent upon the established condition. The amount of dosage can be found in the table underneath, contingent upon the technique of delivery (e.g. Solution or Syrup).Condition
Dosage
Administration
Acute Mania
, 8.0 meq/mL, 8.0 mmol, 8.0 mmol/mL
, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral
Behcet Syndrome
, 8.0 meq/mL, 8.0 mmol, 8.0 mmol/mL
, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral
Warnings
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Lithium Citrate.Common Lithium Citrate Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Neomycin
Major
The risk or severity of nephrotoxicity can be increased when Lithium citrate is combined with Neomycin.
Tenofovir
Major
Lithium citrate may increase the nephrotoxic activities of Tenofovir.
Tenofovir alafenamide
Major
Lithium citrate may increase the nephrotoxic activities of Tenofovir alafenamide.
Tenofovir disoproxil
Major
Lithium citrate may increase the nephrotoxic activities of Tenofovir disoproxil.
(R)-warfarin
Minor
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Lithium citrate is combined with (R)-warfarin.
Lithium Citrate Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Lithium Citrate?
Two active studies are currently assessing the potential of Lithium Citrate to provide relief from Behcet Syndrome.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Acute Mania
0 Actively Recruiting
Behcet Syndrome
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Lithium Citrate Reviews: What are patients saying about Lithium Citrate?
5Patient Review
3/18/2013 I've been on Li for a while now, and I really don't think I would have made it without it. I know some people have negative reactions to it, but it's been a total wonder drug for me.
5Patient Review
10/18/2010 This treatment is effective.
5Patient Review
2/17/2011 This treatment is helping me get back to a more normal life!
5Patient Review
4/11/2020 This drug has been excellent for me and I firmly believe that it has saved my life. Don't give up – try it for yourself!
4.7Patient Review
7/15/2011 I have been on this medication for nine months to treat my psychosis, and it has done a great job of stabilization. One downside is that I'm constantly thirsty and have to use the restroom more frequently than usual.
4.3Patient Review
4/6/2012 With time, this drug can be effective. I was doubtful at first, but after taking it for a couple months, I saw results. lithium is great for me. Patience and weight-watching are important while on this medication.
4Patient Review
8/4/2010 Lithium citrate has been a really big help for me. My moods are more stable and I'm calmer overall. My family has definitely noticed the difference. The only downside is that every night I have stomach cramps and diarrhea. I'm going to try taking a smaller dose and see if that helps.
4Patient Review
10/18/20083.7Patient Review
2/22/2010 This medication appears to be effective. However, I am concerned about the potential side effect of blood in stool.
3.3Patient Review
12/20/2008 This medication does its job well, provided you follow the directions. That said, it's very bitter and hard to stomach. I also experienced a panic attack after drinking pomegranate green tea while on this medicine, so beware of that combination.
3Patient Review
8/25/2009 I became heat sensitive and began sweating excessively while on this medication. If I spent too much time in the heat, I would become exhausted and even lose days to memory loss.
2.3Patient Review
8/25/2009 I unfortunately felt worse after taking this medication than I did before.
1.3Patient Review
5/11/2012 As this medication did nothing to address my bipolar disorder, I stopped taking it. Unfortunately, the severe depression that followed pushed me towards suicide. Thankfully, I survived despite taking twice the lethal dose of this drug. While they say it works for 70% of patients, the 30% it doesn't work for often have very serious consequences.
1.3Patient Review
10/9/2013 I was given the wrong diagnosis and as a result, took lithium which permanently damaged my thyroid. Do not take this medication. It's literally poison.
1Patient Review
12/17/2021 I gained 15 pounds while taking this medication, and it did nothing to improve my bipolar disorder. It was a total nightmare.
1Patient Review
11/22/2009 I feel like something is wrong. I'm more nervous and scared.
Patient Q&A Section about lithium citrate
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What does lithium citrate do?
"This medication is most effective when used to treat bipolar disorder by restoring the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain."
Answered by AI
Is lithium citrate available?
"Lithium carbonate is a salt that is used to treat bipolar disorder. It is available in different forms, including capsules, tablets, and a slow-release form. A liquid form of lithium carbonate, lithium citrate, is also available."
Answered by AI
Why was lithium removed from 7Up?
"The soft drink we now know as 7Up was originally named "Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda" when it was formulated in 1929 because it contained lithium citrate. The beverage was a patent medicine marketed as a cure for hangover. However, lithium citrate was removed from 7Up in 1948 after it was banned by the Food and Drug Administration."
Answered by AI
What is the difference between lithium carbonate and lithium citrate?
"Lithium carbonate and lithium citrate are available as regular tablets and slow-release tablets, where the medicine is released slowly over time. Doses vary from person to person. Lithium citrate is also available as a liquid, which is usually only prescribed for people who have trouble swallowing tablets."
Answered by AI