Lithium Citrate

Behcet Syndrome, Common Cold

Treatment

4 FDA approvals

1 Active Study for Lithium Citrate

What is Lithium Citrate

Lithium citrate

The Generic name of this drug

Lithium

is 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 Patients

Lithium 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 body

The 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.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

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?

5

Patient 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.

5

Patient Review

10/18/2010

Lithium Citrate for Bipolar Depression

This treatment is effective.

5

Patient Review

2/17/2011

Lithium Citrate for Bipolar Depression

This treatment is helping me get back to a more normal life!

5

Patient 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!

4.7

Patient 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.

4.3

Patient Review

4/6/2012

Lithium Citrate for Bipolar Depression

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.

4

Patient Review

8/4/2010

Lithium Citrate for Additional Medications to Treat Depression

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.

4

Patient Review

10/18/2008

Lithium Citrate for Bipolar Depression

3.7

Patient Review

2/22/2010

Lithium Citrate for Additional Medications to Treat Depression

This medication appears to be effective. However, I am concerned about the potential side effect of blood in stool.

3.3

Patient Review

12/20/2008

Lithium Citrate for Manic-Depression

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.

3

Patient Review

8/25/2009

Lithium Citrate for Bipolar Depression

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.

2.3

Patient Review

8/25/2009

Lithium Citrate for Bipolar Depression

I unfortunately felt worse after taking this medication than I did before.

1.3

Patient Review

5/11/2012

Lithium Citrate for Rapid Cycle Manic-Depression

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.

1.3

Patient Review

10/9/2013

Lithium Citrate for Bipolar Depression

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.

1

Patient Review

12/17/2021

Lithium Citrate for Bipolar Depression

I gained 15 pounds while taking this medication, and it did nothing to improve my bipolar disorder. It was a total nightmare.

1

Patient Review

11/22/2009

Lithium Citrate for Bipolar Depression

I feel like something is wrong. I'm more nervous and scared.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

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

Image of VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA in San Diego, United States.

Peer-Delivered Suicide Prevention for Serious Mental Illness

18+
All Sexes
San Diego, CA

Suicide is a major public health concern, particularly among Veterans with serious mental illness (SMI, i.e., psychotic disorders or bipolar disorders). Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is a well-established evidence-based practice for those with SMI that centers on identifying warning signs of mental illness, developing wellness tools for functional independence, planning for day-to-day effective living within one's community, and building an action plan to create a valued life worth living. This proposed study will refine and pilot SUicide Prevention by Peers Offering Recovery Tactics (SUPPORT), a novel integrated recovery program that is an adaptation of peer-delivered WRAP for Veterans with SMI. In SUPPORT, a Peer Specialist leads a Veteran at increased risk for suicide through recovery planning that is tailored to the Veteran's suicidal experiences with cognitive learning strategies to enhance safety plan recall and improve functioning.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA

Samantha A Chalker, PhD