lithium

Lithium is a small molecule mood stabilizer primarily used to treat and prevent episodes of mania and depression in bipolar disorder. It is also prescribed for other psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and certain types of depression. The exact mechanism by which lithium exerts its mood-stabilizing effects is not fully understood; however, it is believed to modulate neurotransmitter activity in the central nervous system by decreasing norepinephrine release and increasing serotonin synthesis. Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index requiring regular blood monitoring to avoid toxicity. It may be used long-term for maintenance therapy in bipolar disorder[1][2][3][5][6].

Brand names

EskalithEskalith-CRLithobidLithonateLithotabs

Other names

lithium carbonatelithium citrate