Lithium (
Eskalith®, Eskalith CR
®,
Lithobid®) is a medicine often prescribed for the treatment of
bipolar disorder. It is specifically used to treat manic episodes and prevent relapses. Lithium medicine is one of the oldest, most effective, and most affordable
bipolar treatments available.
The exact way in which lithium works to treat bipolar disorder is unknown. It is thought that the drug may affect various chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, which could explain the effectiveness of lithium medicine in treating bipolar disorder. The drug is not a cure for bipolar disorder, however. It only helps to control symptoms.
Lithium has not been approved for treating
bipolar disorder in children under 12 years old. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using the drug in children.
