Lithium Toxicity: Signs, Risks, and What to Do If It Happens

When you’re taking lithium, a mood-stabilizing drug commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. Also known as lithium carbonate, it works by balancing brain chemicals—but too much can turn life-saving into life-threatening. Lithium toxicity isn’t rare. It happens more often than people realize, especially when kidney function drops, dehydration sets in, or you start a new medication that interferes with how your body clears lithium.

Many people don’t know that lithium levels, the amount of lithium in your blood measured in milliequivalents per liter need to stay in a narrow range—usually between 0.6 and 1.2 mEq/L. Go above 1.5 and you’re in danger zone. Levels over 2.0 can cause seizures, coma, or even death. The worst part? Symptoms often start slow: hand tremors, nausea, blurry vision, or feeling unusually tired. By the time you feel really sick, it’s already serious. Older adults, people with kidney issues, or those on blood pressure meds like diuretics or ACE inhibitors are at higher risk. Even a small change in diet, sweat loss from exercise, or a new antibiotic can push levels too high.

It’s not just about the dose. lithium side effects, common reactions like weight gain, thirst, or frequent urination are often mistaken for normal parts of treatment. But if those symptoms suddenly get worse, or you start feeling confused, weak, or your muscles twitch uncontrollably, it’s not just a side effect—it’s toxicity. You can’t wait to see your doctor tomorrow. This is an emergency. Blood tests are the only way to confirm it, and treatment usually means stopping lithium, giving fluids, and sometimes dialysis.

What you’ll find in these articles isn’t just theory. Real stories, real data, and real steps you can take right now. From how to monitor your lithium levels at home to which medications dangerously interact with it, and why skipping a dose isn’t always safe—you’ll see how simple mistakes lead to serious outcomes. You’ll also learn what doctors look for when they suspect toxicity, how to talk to your pharmacist about risks, and what to pack in your med kit if you travel. This isn’t about fear. It’s about control. Knowing the signs means you can act before it’s too late.

4 Dec 2025
by Michael Brown
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Lithium Interactions: NSAIDs, Diuretics, and Dehydration Risks

Lithium is a powerful mood stabilizer, but even small changes in NSAIDs, diuretics, or hydration can trigger dangerous toxicity. Learn how to avoid life-threatening interactions and stay safe while on treatment.