Lithium Toxicity: Signs, Causes, and What to Do If You Suspect It

When you're taking lithium, a mood-stabilizing medication commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. Also known as lithium carbonate, it helps balance brain chemicals—but too much can turn life-saving into life-threatening. Lithium toxicity isn't rare. It happens more often than people realize, especially when dehydration, kidney changes, or other meds mess with how your body handles the drug.

It’s not just about taking too many pills. Sometimes, you take the right dose—but your body can’t clear it. That’s where lithium blood levels, the measured concentration of lithium in your bloodstream come in. Doctors track these closely because even a small rise—above 1.5 mmol/L—can mean trouble. Symptoms like shaky hands, nausea, confusion, or frequent urination aren’t just side effects. They’re red flags. And if you’re on bipolar medication, a category that includes lithium and other mood stabilizers, you need to know the difference between mild discomfort and serious danger.

Lithium doesn’t play nice with some common drugs. Diuretics like Lasix, NSAIDs like ibuprofen, and even certain blood pressure meds can spike your lithium levels without you realizing it. That’s why regular blood tests aren’t optional—they’re your safety net. And if you’ve been sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or you’ve cut back on water, your risk goes up fast. You don’t need to panic, but you do need to act. Drink water. Skip the ibuprofen. Call your doctor. Don’t wait for dizziness to turn into seizures.

What you’ll find below isn’t just theory. These are real stories, real warnings, and real advice from people who’ve been there—whether they’re learning how to monitor their levels, spotting early signs in a loved one, or figuring out how to balance lithium with other treatments. No fluff. Just what you need to stay safe and informed.