When to Take Lithium

 Lithium (Eskalith®, Eskalith CR®, Lithobid®) is a prescription medication licensed to treat bipolar disorder. It comes in several different forms, including regular tablets, extended-release tablets, capsules, and a syrup.
 
Your healthcare provider will determine an appropriate lithium dosage for your situation based on the particular product being used, how you respond to the drug, and other medications you may currently be taking. He or she will also offer you instructions on how and when to take lithium.
 
The recommended starting lithium dosage for acute mania is 600 mg three times daily (for immediate-release tablets, capsules, or syrup). For extended-release lithium tablets, the recommended starting dose is 900 mg twice daily. It is important to take your lithium doses at the same times each day to maintain an even level of medication in your blood.
 
(Click Lithium Dosage for more detailed information on when to take lithium, to find out how dosing works for maintenance treatment, and for other tips on using this medication.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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