Lithium Orotate Safety
Lithium orotate — known by the names lithium carbonate, lithium citrate and simply lithium — is a compound used to treat a number of neurological conditions 1. Although lithium orotate is considered safer than other lithium-based compounds, there are still a number of side effects, drug interactions and potentially serious conditions that can result from regular lithium orotate use 13.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Aspects
Lithium orotate is derived from the natural element and alkali metal lithium 1. RxList reports that scientific researchers believe lithium in any of its forms may help increase the effectiveness and activity of neurotransmitters — the chemical compounds responsible for transmitting messages between neural cells — in the brain 1. However, the Global Healing Center contends that lithium orotate is the most easily absorbed of the different types of lithium, as well as the one with the least serious side effects 123.
Uses
Drug Interaction Between Lithium and Caffeine
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Lithium orotate is commonly used as a treatment to control both bipolar disorder and depression 1. It is also thought to be useful in treating ADHD-related aggression, impulsive behaviors and schizophrenia. The Global Healing Center adds that lithium orotate use has been linked to a number of benefits to the cerebral cortex of the brain: protection against toxins, decreased effects of aging and an increase in neural cell growth 123.
Side Effects
Keep in mind that the Global Healing Center advises that the side effects of lithium orotate tend to decrease over time 123. However, if extreme doses of the compound have been ingested, excessive sleepiness, vision problems and ringing in the ears can be the result.
Considerations
Foods High in Lithium
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Taking lithium orotate at the same time as you are taking an antidepressant such as Praxil, Zolof or Nardil; a dextromethorphan such as Robitussin DM; or a blood pressure medication such as Vasotec or Procardia is strongly discouraged due to the risk of potentially harmful side effects or a dramatic decrease in the effectiveness of either or both drugs 13. You should also avoid lithium orotate if you are using Demerol, anticonvulsant drugs, certain muscle relaxants and water pills 1.
Warning
Do not use lithium orotate if you suffer from thyroid, heart or kidney disease; have a surgical procedure scheduled within two weeks of beginning use of the drug; suffer from exhaustion or dehydration; or are pregnant or nursing an infant 1. Because lithium orotate use increases the risk of blood poisoning problems, never use the compound unless you are under the direct supervision of a physician who can regularly order tests of the lithium levels in your blood to prevent you from reaching toxic levels 1. Some individuals may be at risk for developing hypothyroidism when taking lithium orotate for long periods of time 1.
Related Articles
References
- RxList: Lithium
- Global Healing Center: The Benefits of Lithium Orotate
- Global Healing Center: Lithium Side Effects
- Machado-Vieira R, Manji HK, Zarate CA. The role of lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorder: convergent evidence for neurotrophic effects as a unifying hypothesis. Bipolar Disord. 2009;11 Suppl 2:92-109. doi:10.1111/j.1399-5618.2009.00714.x
- ECMDB. Orotic Acid.
- Balon R. Possible Dangers of a "Nutritional Supplement" Lithium Orotate. Ann Clin Psychiatry. 2013;25(1):71.
- Lakhan SE, Vieira KF. Nutritional Therapies for Mental Disorders. Nutr J. 2008;7:2. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-7-2
- Sartori HE. Lithium Orotate in the Treatment of Alcoholism and Related Conditions. Alcohol. 1986;3(2):97-100. doi:10.1016/0741-8329(86)90018-2
- Pauzé DK & Brooks DE. Lithium toxicity from an internet dietary supplement. J Med Toxicol. 2007;3(2):61-2. doi:10.1007/BF03160910
- Gitlin M. Lithium side effects and toxicity: prevalence and management strategies. Int J Bipolar Disord. 2016;4(1):27. doi:10.1186/s40345-016-0068-y
- Balon R. Possible Dangers of a "Nutritional Supplement" Lithium Orotate. Ann Clin Psychiatry. 2013 Feb;25(1):71.
- ECMDB. Orotic Acid. http://ecmdb.ca/compounds/ECMDB00226.
- Lakhan SE, Vieira KF. Nutritional Therapies for Mental Disorders. Nutr J. 2008;7:2. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-7-2
- Machado-Vieira R, Manji HK, Zarate CA. The Role of Lithium in the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder: Convergent Evidence for Neurotrophic Effects as a Unifying Hypothesis. Bipolar Disord. 2009;11 Suppl 2:92-109. doi:10.1111/j.1399-5618.2009.00714.x
- Menegueti MG, Basile-filho A, Martins-filho OA, Auxiliadora-martins M. Severe Arrhythmia After Lithium Intoxication in a Patient with Bipolar Disorder Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Indian J Crit Care Med. 2012;16(2):109-11. doi:10.4103/0972-5229.99134
- National Institutes of Health. Lithium: MedlinePlus Drug Information. November 2012.
- Pauzé DK & Brooks DE. Lithium Toxicity from an Internet Dietary Supplement. J. Med. Toxicol. 2007;3(2):61-2. doi:10.1007/BF03160910
- Sartori HE. Lithium Orotate in the Treatment of Alcoholism and Related Conditions. Alcohol. 1986;3(2):97-100. doi:10.1016/0741-8329(86)90018-2
- Smith DF, Schou M. Kidney Function and Lithium Concentrations of Rats Given an Injection of Lithium Orotate or Lithium Carbonate. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1979;31(3):161-3. doi:10.1111/j.2042-7158.1979.tb13461.x
Writer Bio
Michelle Kerns writes for a variety of print and online publications and specializes in literature and science topics. She has served as a book columnist since 2008 and is a member of the National Book Critics Circle. Kerns studied English literature and neurology at UC Davis.