Lithium
Lithium is one of the oldest and most studied mood stabilisers in psychiatry. It is considered the gold standard for preventing both manic and depressive episodes in bipolar disorder and has strong evidence for reducing the risk of suicide.
Most patients pay less than $20 per appointment.
Lithium works through multiple mechanisms in the brain that are still not fully understood, but decades of research confirm it is highly effective at reducing the frequency and severity of bipolar episodes. Blood level monitoring is essential — lithium works within a narrow therapeutic range.
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Komal Nathani
Komal is an LGBTQ+ affirming psychiatrist who works with queer, trans, and gender-expansive adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and identity. She offers a space where your full self is welcome, and brings real understanding to the intersection of queerness, culture, and mental health.
MD Psychiatrist
Adam Butera
Adam is an LGBTQ+ affirming psychiatrist with 23 years in private practice, offering care for depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, addiction, and ADHD. He takes time to understand each person as a whole human being, working with adolescents, adults, and seniors across diverse backgrounds.
MD PsychiatristReal questions. Honest answers.
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Lithium is FDA-approved for the treatment and prevention of manic episodes in bipolar disorder. It also has strong evidence for reducing depressive episodes and lowering suicide risk.
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Lithium is effective within a specific concentration range in the blood. Too little does not work; too much can be toxic. Regular blood tests ensure you stay in the therapeutic window safely.
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Tremor, increased thirst and urination, weight gain, and mild cognitive dulling are the most frequent. Many side effects reduce with dose adjustment or slow-release formulations.
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Long-term lithium use can affect kidney function in some people. Your psychiatrist will monitor kidney function with regular blood tests and will discuss risks and benefits with you.
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Dehydration, low-sodium diets, NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), and certain blood pressure medications can raise lithium levels to dangerous ranges. Always check with your psychiatrist before adding new medications.
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Lithium carries some risk in pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. This requires careful discussion with your psychiatrist and OB — stopping lithium abruptly during pregnancy also carries risks.
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For acute mania, some improvement is seen within 1–2 weeks. For long-term prevention of episodes, it may take several months to assess full effectiveness.
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Book a free consult at Outspace. Our psychiatrists will assess whether lithium is the right mood stabiliser for you and set up appropriate monitoring.