Lithium

Key facts Lithium is a mood stabilising medicine used to treat certain mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder. Lithium may need to be taken for a long period of time — do not suddenly stop taking it without speaking to your doctor. Short-term side effects can include nausea and diarrhoea, muscle weakness or a dazed feeling. A long-term side effect can be weight gain. Your lithium dose needs to be adjusted to suit you. Go for your blood tests to make sure you have the right amount in your system. Make sure your doctors and pharmacist know if you are