People taking lithium should avoid drinking alcohol. Not only can alcohol worsen bipolar disorder symptoms, but it can also intensify side effects caused by lithium, including dizziness and drowsiness. Additionally, taking lithium while drinking may make the medication less effective, leading to more mood swings.
Combining lithium and alcohol can worsen bipolar symptoms and increase the likelihood of side effects. For this reason, doctors advise people not to consume alcohol while taking the medication.
Lithium can make you drowsy so it's best to stop drinking alcohol during the first few days of taking lithium, or if your dose is increased. If you feel OK after this, you can drink alcohol but it's best not to drink too much it's likely to make you dehydrated.
Alcohol and certain anti-anxiety benzodiazepine medications used in bipolar disorder (for example: clonazepam or lorazepam) can result in additive dizziness, drowsiness, and depressed breathing and should never be mixed. In general, it is best to avoid combined use of bipolar disorder medications and alcohol.
Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while you are taking lithium. They may decrease the benefits (e.g., worsen your condition) and increase adverse effects (e.g., sedation) of the medication. Avoid low sodium diets and dehydration because this can increase the risk of lithium toxicity.
Combining alcohol with lithium intensifies the medication's sedating side effects and may lessen the medication's benefits. In severe cases, combining lithium and alcohol can lead to dehydration and lithium toxicity — a potentially life-threatening complication.
Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of lithium such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment.
The mood-stabilizing drug lithium remains an effective mainstay of treatment for bipolar disorder—but unfortunately, it can cause weight gain. Although the possibility of gaining weight while taking lithium is well known, this side effect does not affect everyone who takes the medication.
Alcohol is known to intensify bipolar disorder due to its sedating effects. It acts similarly to some medications, risking feelings of depression with each swig of alcohol. Alcohol also greatly increases the severity of mania, which many who suffer from bipolar find extremely pleasurable.
Like many other antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs, lithium may also cause sexual and erectile dysfunction [20,21]. About one-third of bipolar or schizoaffective patients receiving lithium report sexual dysfunction [20,21].
Controlled carbohydrate cravings and a low-calorie diet can help manage your body weight when on lithium. According to the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, a drug called topiramate helps bipolar patients on lithium lose weight.
Lithium has adverse effects on the kidneys, thyroid gland and parathyroid glands, necessitating monitoring of these organ functions through periodic blood tests. In most cases, lithium-associated renal effects are relatively mild.
Alcohol has an impact on both mania and depression. It can calm nervousness and anxiety, and binge drinking in particular can give a quick lift in mood to a person with bipolar disorder who's experiencing a depressive episode.
Short-term side effects can include nausea and diarrhoea, muscle weakness or a dazed feeling. A long-term side effect can be weight gain. Your lithium dose needs to be adjusted to suit you. Go for your blood tests to make sure you have the right amount in your system.
Lithium limits the amount of norepinephrine that the body can process, which decreases the severity of the anxiety symptoms caused by the body's fear response.
Alcohol use has been shown to increase the severity of bipolar disorder, its symptoms and its complications. People who struggle with any substance use disorder and have bipolar are less likely to stick with their treatment. They are also more likely to be hospitalized.
While bipolar disorder can't be cured, symptoms can be controlled with an effective treatment plan. Are you struggling with your mental health? Call us today to get help. Bipolar disorder may worsen with age or over time if the condition is left untreated.
Bipolar blackout is a term that refers to a period of memory loss during and after a manic episode.
Acne. Acne is a common inflammatory skin disease characterised by comedones (blocked hair follicles). It is the most common adverse effect of lithium. It usually appears several weeks after starting the drug.
Hormonal changes. Hormonal changes caused by the medication may affect metabolism, resulting in slower fat burning and, ultimately, more stored energy as body fat. “Approximately 20% of users gain weight with Lithium due to the adverse effects causing increased appetite, thirst, and constipation.
Lithium may also affect the levels of certain hormones that regulate metabolism, such as insulin and leptin, leading to changes in energy expenditure and the accumulation of body fat.” In addition to causing a heartier appetite, lithium can lead to sodium retention, which can cause bloating.
Too little water (dehydration) can lead to high, or even toxic lithium levels So it's important to drink plenty of water while taking lithium. Diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive exercise or sweating can also dehydrate you. Let your healthcare provider know if you experience any of these events.
A drop in caffeine levels might lead to a corresponding increase in lithium levels. Conversely, a sudden increase in caffeine consumption may decrease your lithium levels. Drink plenty of fluids, particularly during periods of prolonged or intense exercise.
When combined with lithium, NSAIDs can increase lithium levels in the blood resulting in an increased risk for serious adverse effects like confusion, tremor, slurred speech, and vomiting. Examples of non-prescription NSAIDs include: Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) Naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®)