What it's used for
- Bipolar mania
- Epilepsy
- Migraine prevention
Read about: Bipolar disorder
How it works: Increases GABA and affects sodium/calcium channels.
Common side effects
- Weight gain
- Tremor
- Hair thinning
- Liver and blood effects
Tapering considerations
- Never stop abruptly, especially with any seizure history.
For prescribers & facilitators
- Highly teratogenic — strict pregnancy prevention requirements apply.
Sources
- 01Effects of the rate of discontinuing lithium maintenance treatment in bipolar disorders
Baldessarini et al., Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 1996
- 02Bipolar disorder: assessment and management (CG185)
NICE Guideline, 2014
- 03The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines
Horowitz & Taylor, Wiley-Blackwell, 2024