Are you taking Lithium? Are you aware of the dangers of combining Lithium with certain foods, herbs or alcohol? Drug-food-interactions are seldom discussed but can lead to undesirable side effects and potentially diminish the efficacy of the medication.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
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National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism. (2014) Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol With Medicines.
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National Alliance on Mental Illness
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References
1. National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Lithium
2. National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism. (2014) Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol With Medicines. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/harmful-interactions-mixing-alcohol-with-medicines
3. National Library of Medicine: Lithium MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681039.html
Lithium Interactions with Food and Herbs
Low Sodium Diets: Avoid low sodium diets and dehydration as these can increase the risk of lithium toxicity (1✔ ✔Trusted SourceNational Alliance on Mental Illness
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Lithium Interactions with Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Lithium because it can cause drowsiness, dizziness, tremors and an increased risk of side effects such as restlessness and impaired motor control (2✔ ✔Trusted SourceNational Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism. (2014) Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol With Medicines.
Go to source).
Lithium Interactions with Caffeine
Avoid taking Lithium with caffeine-containing products such as coffee, tea, cola and chocolate, as it can decrease the effectiveness of medication (1✔ ✔Trusted SourceNational Alliance on Mental Illness
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When and How to Take Lithium
- Lithium is available in the form of a tablet, capsule, extended-release (long-acting) tablet, and solution to be taken orally.
- The tablets, capsules and solutions are usually taken three to four times a day.
- The extended-release tablets are usually taken two to three times a day.
- Swallow the tablets as a whole instead of crushing, chewing or breaking them.
- Take the medication at the same time every day for better results.
- Follow the directions exactly as given on the prescription label.
- Do not exceed or skip a dose. If you miss it, take the medication as soon as you remember.
- Do not double the dose at a time to compensate for a missed dose (3✔ ✔Trusted Source
National Library of Medicine: Lithium MedlinePlus Drug Information.
Go to source).
References
1. National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Lithium
2. National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism. (2014) Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol With Medicines. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/harmful-interactions-mixing-alcohol-with-medicines
3. National Library of Medicine: Lithium MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681039.html
