When you're taking lithium, a mood-stabilizing medication primarily used to treat bipolar disorder. Also known as lithium carbonate, it works by balancing brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior. But lithium doesn’t play well with everything. Even small changes in what you take — from common painkillers to herbal teas — can push lithium levels into dangerous territory. Too much lithium can cause tremors, confusion, kidney damage, or even seizures. Too little, and your mood swings might come back hard.
One of the biggest risks comes from NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen. These are in almost every medicine cabinet, but they reduce how fast your kidneys clear lithium. A daily Advil for a headache could turn into a medical emergency. Same goes for diuretics, water pills often prescribed for high blood pressure or heart conditions. They make you pee more, which lowers sodium — and that makes your body hold onto lithium like a sponge. Even ACE inhibitors, a common class of blood pressure meds, can raise lithium levels by up to 50%. And don’t forget about serotonin-boosting drugs, like SSRIs and SNRIs used for depression. Mixing them with lithium increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, a rare but life-threatening reaction with symptoms like high fever, fast heartbeat, and muscle rigidity.
It’s not just prescription drugs. Some herbal supplements, like St. John’s wort and ginkgo biloba, can interfere with how lithium works. Even something as simple as a salt-free diet or intense exercise in hot weather can throw off your lithium balance. Your body needs steady sodium and fluid levels to process lithium safely. That’s why doctors check your blood levels regularly — not just when you start, but every few months after.
If you’re on lithium, you’re not alone. Millions use it to keep their moods stable. But the real key to staying safe isn’t just taking your pill — it’s knowing what else is in your system. Talk to your doctor before starting anything new, even if it’s labeled "natural" or "over-the-counter." Keep a list of everything you take, including vitamins and teas. And if you notice new shaking, frequent urination, or fuzzy thinking — don’t wait. Call your provider. The right mix of awareness and communication can keep lithium working for you, not against you.
Lithium, valproate, and carbamazepine are powerful mood stabilizers, but their interactions with other drugs can be dangerous. Learn how NSAIDs, diuretics, and other medications can trigger toxicity-and what to do to stay safe.