Lithium therapy and its interactions

Abstract

Lithium is one of the most effective mood stabilisers for people with a mood disorder. However, many of these patients are also taking other medicines that could potentially interact with lithium. To minimise the risk of relapse, it is usually necessary to maintain the lithium serum concentration between 0.6 mmol/L and 0.8 mmol/L. Lithium clearance is easily influenced by drugs that alter renal function such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor antagonists, diuretics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is therefore prudent for prescribers to monitor and adjust the lithium dose to avoid adverse effects or loss of efficacy.