Researchers have shown that lithium may treat conditions beyond bipolar disorder. A study titled “Lithium: current state of the art and future directions,” published in the International Journal of Bipolar Disorders, discusses lithium’s benefits and side effects.

Disorders Lithium Can Treat

Lithium treatment is a traditional first-line therapy for bipolar disorder. Additionally, lithium is effective as an add-on treatment for recurrent, treatment-resistant unipolar depression.

Lithium lowers suicide risk, decreases impulsivity, and reduces aggression in patients.

Potential Future Uses

Here are a few other conditions that lithium may have the potential to treat:

• Preventing mild cognitive impairment.

• Treating dementia.

• Aiding recovery after strokes.

• Reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection by half.

Side Effects

• Nausea.

• Thirst and polyuria.

• Tremor.

Weight gain and cognitive dulling are reported side effects, though findings are mixed. Some side effects resolve on their own, while others may require additional medications.

Before starting lithium treatment, patients are advised to undergo minimal testing for renal function (eGFR or serum creatinine), thyroid function (TSH), and serum calcium.

Learn More About Lithium

• Healthy People Benefit from Taking Lithium

• Lithium Is the Safest Mood Stabilizer for Kids

• Lithium Is Misunderstood: Side Effects Are Overblown

• From 7Up to Guinea Pigs: How Medicine Discovered Lithium