Lithium Citrate

Behcet Syndrome, Common Cold
Treatment
4 FDA approvals
1 Active Study for Lithium Citrate

What is Lithium Citrate

Lithium citrateThe Generic name of this drug
Lithiumis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
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 4 uses including Bipolar Disorder (BD) and Acute Mania .
Bipolar Disorder (BD)
Acute Mania
Behcet Syndrome
Common Cold

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
Behcet Syndrome
, 8.0 meq/mL, 8.0 mmol, 8.0 mmol/mL
, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral
Common Cold
, 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.
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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
Behcet Syndrome
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Common Cold
0 Actively Recruiting

Lithium Citrate Reviews: What are patients saying about Lithium Citrate?

5Patient Review
3/18/2013
Lithium Citrate for Bipolar Depression
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
Lithium Citrate for Bipolar Depression
This treatment is effective.
5Patient Review
2/17/2011
Lithium Citrate for Bipolar Depression
This treatment is helping me get back to a more normal life!
5Patient Review
4/11/2020
Lithium Citrate for Rapid Cycle Manic-Depression
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
Lithium Citrate for Bipolar Depression
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.
View All Reviews
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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

Clinical Trials for Lithium Citrate