By the way, doctor: What are the side effects of lithium?
Q. What can you tell me about the side effects of lithium?
A. Lithium is a drug most often used to treat people with bipolar disorder (sometimes known as manic-depressive illness), a psychiatric disorder characterized by extreme shifts in mood, from excessively euphoric (mania) to desperately sad or hopeless (depression). In the manic phase, such individuals may be elated, require little sleep, or have inflated notions about themselves. In the depressive phase, they may have low energy, experience changes in eating or sleeping, or feel guilty, hopeless, or suicidal.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.