What Are The Side Effects Of Lithium?

Posted on Fri, 8 Apr 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 8 Apr 2016 Answered on

Sat, 4 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : i chatted with u last time .u suggested lithium as an augumenting agent to replace bupropion & to be taken with cipralex,but lithium causes kidney problems.do the other 2 drugs thyroid hormone & another drug that u suggested have serious sideeffects
u suggested T3 hormone and buspirone ,do they have serious side effects

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Private Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks again for using my direct private service.

Lithium is actually very safe when dosed properly. It is a natural element. As long as you keep the blood level below 1.2, lithium poses no harm to the kidneys at all. Since this is so safe, it is still my preferred option for you.

T3 does not have serious side effects. In an overdose it can cause high heart rate, palpitations, sweating, and anxiety, but if dosed normally it is perfectly safe.

Buspirone also does not have serious side effects. It causes nausea and dry mouth for the first few days, but then this goes away in the vast majority of people.

Dr. Sheppe

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (2 hours later)

how often should i get my blood lithium level checked?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Private Followup

Detailed Answer:
When you first start lithium, get it checked once weekly until the level has been stable for 2 weeks, then check it every 6 months.

Dr. Sheppe

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak