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Lithium is prescribed as a mood stabilizer for people who have bipolar disorder.
It acts to help control the mania,hypomania, depression, and psychosis associated with the condition.
Lithium is a naturally occurring element that was found, in the late 1800s, to have mood-stabilizing properties.
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The first paper on using lithium to treat what was then called manic depression was published in 1949.
The FDA approved lithium in 1970.
Even now, the specific way lithium helps people with bipolar disorder is complex and not fully understood.
When Is Lithium Prescribed?
However, it has also been shown to help withdepressive symptoms,psychoticfeatures, and mixed episodes.
Contraindications
Lithium can damage your kidneys, especially with long-term use.
Warnings About Lithium
There are several important warnings for people taking lithium.
Some drugs that are commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder fall into this category.
2000;61 Suppl 9:52-56.
Lithium Official FDA Information, Side Effects and Uses.
