Lithium — Membership Pricing

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• Lorazepam
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About Lithium

Lithium is a cornerstone medication for managing mood disorders, primarily bipolar disorder, offering a vital path to stability for many. Understanding its role and how it works is crucial for effective treatment. ### What Lithium Treats

Lithium is a powerful mood stabilizer primarily prescribed for the treatment of bipolar disorder. It's highly effective in managing the extreme mood swings characteristic of this condition, including both manic and depressive episodes. For individuals experiencing mania, lithium can help reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity, and racing thoughts. In depressive phases, it can alleviate symptoms like profound sadness, fatigue, and loss of interest. Beyond bipolar disorder, lithium is sometimes used off-label for other conditions, such as recurrent major depressive disorder (often as an add-on therapy), schizoaffective disorder, and certain aggressive behaviors, always under the careful guidance of a healthcare professional. Its long-term use is often aimed at preventing future episodes and improving overall quality of life. ### How Lithium Works

While the exact mechanism of action for lithium is not fully understood, it's believed to exert its therapeutic effects through a complex interplay of biochemical processes in the brain. Lithium influences several neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which are crucial for mood regulation. It's thought to stabilize these systems, preventing the extreme fluctuations seen in bipolar disorder. Additionally, lithium impacts ion channels and second messenger systems within brain cells, which are involved in cell signaling and communication. Some research also suggests neuroprotective effects, potentially promoting the growth and survival of brain cells, which could contribute to its long-term benefits in mood stabilization. Its ability to modulate these intricate brain functions makes it a unique and effective treatment. ### Typical Costs of Lithium

The cost of lithium can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the specific formulation (e.g., immediate-release vs. extended-release), dosage, the pharmacy you use, and your insurance coverage. Generic lithium carbonate is generally more affordable than brand-name versions. Without insurance, a typical

The information above is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.

What Lithium is approved for (FDA label)

Lithium is a mood-stabilizing agent indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of bipolar I disorder: Treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes in patients 7 years and older [see Clinical Studies ( 14 ) ] Maintenance treatment in patients 7 years and older [see Clinical Studies ( 14 ) ] Lithium is a mood-stabilizing agent indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of bipolar I disorder: Treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes in patients 7 years and older ( 1 ) Maintenance treatment in patients 7 years and older ( 1 )

Source: Read the full FDA label on DailyMed. Label effective date: August 31, 2026.

Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information. This is not medical advice; talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Boxed warning for Lithium (FDA label)

WARNING: LITHIUM TOXICITY Lithium toxicity is closely related to serum lithium concentrations, and can occur at doses close to therapeutic concentrations. Facilities for prompt and accurate serum lithium determinations should be available before initiating treatment [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ]. WARNING: LITHIUM TOXICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Lithium toxicity is closely related to serum lithium concentrations, and can occur at doses close to therapeutic concentrations. Facilities for prompt and accurate serum lithium determinations should be available before initiating therapy ( 2.3 , 5.1 ).

Source: FDA prescribing information (DailyMed). Set ID: be1346df-4a39-45e8-874b-e2a496847fd5. SPL document ID: 5a5d5889-cbba-dc8e-e063-6294a90a623b. Label effective date: August 31, 2026. Read the full label.

Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information. This is not medical advice; talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosage forms and strengths for Lithium (FDA label)

Each 5 mL of clear, colorless lithium oral solution USP contains 8 mEq lithium ion (Li + ) (equivalent to the amount of lithium in 300 mg of lithium carbonate). Oral Solution: 8 mEq of lithium (Li + ) per 5mL ( 3 )

Source: FDA prescribing information (DailyMed). Set ID: be1346df-4a39-45e8-874b-e2a496847fd5. SPL document ID: 5a5d5889-cbba-dc8e-e063-6294a90a623b. Label effective date: August 31, 2026. Read the full label.

Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information. This is not medical advice; talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Adverse reactions for Lithium (FDA label)

The following adverse reactions are described in greater detail in other sections: Acute Lithium Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Lithium-Induced Polyuria [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Hyponatremia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Lithium-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Encephalopathic Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Hypercalcemia and Hyperparathyroidism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Unmasking of Brugada Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Pseudotumor Cerebri [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Common Adverse Reactions: Adult Patients: fine hand tremor, polyuria, mild thirst, nausea, general discomfort during initial treatment ( 6 ) Pediatric Patients (7-17 years): nausea/vomiting, polyuria, thyroid abnormalities, tremor, thirst/polydipsia, dizziness, rash/dermatitis, ataxia/gait disturbance, decreased appetite, and blurry vision ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Advagen Pharma Ltd, at 866-488-0312 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

Source: FDA prescribing information (DailyMed). Set ID: be1346df-4a39-45e8-874b-e2a496847fd5. SPL document ID: 5a5d5889-cbba-dc8e-e063-6294a90a623b. Label effective date: August 31, 2026. Read the full label.

Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information. This is not medical advice; talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Contraindications for Lithium (FDA label)

Lithium is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any inactive ingredient in the lithium citrate products [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )]. Known hypersensitivity to any inactive ingredient in the drug product. ( 4 )

Source: FDA prescribing information (DailyMed). Set ID: be1346df-4a39-45e8-874b-e2a496847fd5. SPL document ID: 5a5d5889-cbba-dc8e-e063-6294a90a623b. Label effective date: August 31, 2026. Read the full label.

Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information. This is not medical advice; talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings and precautions for Lithium (FDA label)

Lithium-Induced Polyuria: May develop during initiation of treatment. Increases risk of lithium toxicity. Educate patient to avoid dehydration. Monitor for lithium toxicity and metabolic acidosis. Discontinue lithium or treat with amiloride as a therapeutic agent ( 5.2 ). Hyponatremia: Symptoms are more severe with faster-onset hyponatremia. Dehydration from protracted sweating, diarrhea, or elevated temperatures from infection increases risk of hyponatremia and lithium toxicity. Educate patients on maintaining a normal diet with salt and staying hydrated. Monitor for and treat hyponatremia and lithium toxicity, which may necessitate a temporary reduction or cessation of lithium and infusion of serum sodium ( 5.3 ). Lithium-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease: Associated with structural changes in patients on chronic lithium therapy. Monitor kidney function during treatment with lithium ( 5.4 ). Encephalopathic Syndrome: Increased risk in patients treated with lithium and an antipsychotic. Monitor routinely for changes to cognitive function ( 5.5 ).

Source: FDA prescribing information (DailyMed). Set ID: be1346df-4a39-45e8-874b-e2a496847fd5. SPL document ID: 5a5d5889-cbba-dc8e-e063-6294a90a623b. Label effective date: August 31, 2026. Read the full label.

Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information. This is not medical advice; talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug interactions for Lithium (FDA label)

Diuretics, NSAID, renin-angiotensin system antagonists, or metronidazole may increase lithium serum concentrations. Recommend frequent monitoring of serum lithium concentration and adjust dosage when necessary. ( 2.3 , 7.1 ) Serotonergic Agents: Increased risk of serotonin syndrome when co-administered with lithium. ( 5.6 , 7.1 ) Antipsychotics: There have been reports of neurologic adverse reactions in patients treated with lithium and an antipsychotic, ranging from extrapyramidal symptoms to neuroleptic malignant syndrome. ( 5.5 , 7.1 ) 7.1 Drugs Having Clinically Important Interactions with Lithium Table 4: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Lithium Diuretics Clinical Impact: Diuretic-induced sodium loss may reduce lithium clearance and increase serum lithium concentrations. Intervention: More frequent monitoring of serum electrolyte and lithium concentrations.

Source: FDA prescribing information (DailyMed). Set ID: be1346df-4a39-45e8-874b-e2a496847fd5. SPL document ID: 5a5d5889-cbba-dc8e-e063-6294a90a623b. Label effective date: August 31, 2026. Read the full label.

Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information. This is not medical advice; talk to your doctor or pharmacist.