Lithium Interactions: What Drugs to Avoid and Why It Matters

When you take lithium, a mood-stabilizing medication used primarily to treat bipolar disorder. Also known as lithium carbonate, it works by balancing brain chemicals—but it doesn’t take much to push it into dangerous territory. Lithium has a very narrow window between helping and harming. Too little, and it won’t control mood swings. Too much, and you risk lithium toxicity, which can cause tremors, confusion, kidney damage, or even seizures.

Many everyday medications can quietly raise lithium levels in your blood. NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or naproxen, commonly used for pain or inflammation reduce how fast your kidneys clear lithium, causing it to build up. Same goes for diuretics, especially hydrochlorothiazide, often prescribed for high blood pressure. Even some antibiotics and ACE inhibitors can interfere. These aren’t rare edge cases—they’re common prescriptions that doctors might not always connect to lithium.

It’s not just about what you take—it’s about what your body does with it. Lithium is handled almost entirely by your kidneys. Anything that affects kidney function—dehydration, salt changes, or even intense exercise—can shift your lithium levels. That’s why staying hydrated and keeping your salt intake steady matters as much as avoiding certain pills. If you’re on lithium, your doctor should check your blood levels regularly, especially when you start or stop any new medication.

There’s no single list that covers every possible interaction, but the big ones are well-documented. Avoid NSAIDs unless your doctor says it’s safe. Watch out for diuretics, especially if you’re also on blood pressure meds. Even over-the-counter cold remedies can contain hidden NSAIDs or decongestants that strain your kidneys. Always tell every new provider you’re on lithium—even if it’s just for a rash or a sinus infection.

What you’ll find below are real, practical posts that dig into these risks. From how common painkillers can turn lithium into a hazard, to why a simple change in diuretics could land you in the ER, these articles give you the facts without the fluff. No theory. No guesswork. Just what you need to know to stay safe while taking lithium.