Generic Lithobid

Common use

Lithobid is used to treat bipolar disorder. It stabilizes the mood and reduces extremes of behavior, restores the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.



Dosage and directions

Take Lithobid by mouth twice a day or as prescribed by your doctor. Take it with o after meals to decrease stomach upset. Do not chew or crush the medication. Drink 8 to 12 glasses of water

each day and maintain a healthy diet with normal amounts of salt.



Precautions

It is very important to have the right amount of lithium in your body. Be careful, too much lithium can lead to such effect as nausea, dizziness, seizures, confusion, increased amount of urine, twitching, slurred speech, shaking of the hands, diarrhea. Before taking lithium tell your doctor if you are allergic to it, or if you have other allergies. Talk to your doctor for more details.



Contraindications

Tell your doctor of kidney or heart disease, hypothyroidism, urinary problems, Parkinson's disease, leukemia, seizures, severe sehygratation, any infections with high fever, skin disorder.

Lithobid can cause blurred vision and make you dizzy and drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery or do any activity that requires concentration of attention.Limit use of alcohol.

Before being operated on tell you doctor or surgeon that you are using this medication.

Elder patients can be more sensitive to this drug. It's not recommended to use the drug with pregnant women as it may cause harm to unborn baby. Also it is not recommended to use it during breastfeeding.



Possible side effects

Weight gain, increased frequency of urinating, drowsiness, tiredness, increased first and mild shaking hands. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: diarrhea, dizziness, vomiting, fever, confusion, slurred speech, unsteady walk, blurred vision, severe hand trembling (coarse tremor).

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fainting, vision changes, seizures, slow, fast or irregular heartbeat, swelling or pain of joint, pain or discoloration of finger ot toes, cold hands or feet.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.



Drug interaction

Do not use Lithobid with the following medications: sibutramine.

Before starting the medication tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription herbal produvts which you can take, especially of: ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs such as losartan, valsartan), bulk-producing laxatives (psyllium), calcitonin, calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine), desmopressin, other drugs for mental/mood conditions (e.g., chlorpromazine, haloperidol, thiothixene), methyldopa, metronidazole, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as celecoxib, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen, piroxicam), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin), SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine), theophylline, tricyclic antidepressants, diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, acetazolamide.



Missed dose

If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is 6 hours tell your next dose skip the missed dose and return to your usual schedule. Do not double the dose to catchup the missed one.



Overdose

If you suspect an overdose call to your local poison center or emergency room right away. Symptoms of Lithobid overdose include drowsiness, diarrhea vomiting, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, seizures, trouble walking, shaking, lost of consciousness.



Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from moisture and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)