Lithium Carbonate Medications

Lithium Carbonate is a pharmaceutical salt of lithium used for bipolar disorder treatment. It stabilizes mood by altering sodium transport and affecting neurotransmitter release.

Eskalith

Lithium Carbonate

$0.60 per pill

300mg

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Lithium Carbonate Info

Lithium carbonate is a mood-stabilising salt that has been a cornerstone in the long-term management of bipolar disorder for decades. Belonging to the class of alkali metal salts, it exerts its therapeutic effect by modulating intracellular signalling pathways that influence neuronal excitability. The drug is listed on the World Health Organization’s Essential Medicines List and is approved worldwide for the prevention of manic and depressive episodes in bipolar I disorder. In Singapore, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) authorises both brand-name and generic formulations of lithium carbonate. While its primary indication is bipolar disorder, clinicians sometimes employ it off-label for augmentation in treatment-resistant depression and certain impulse-control disorders, always under specialist supervision. Common brand names include Eskalith, Lithobid, and Priadel, all of which are available as generic tablets through our online pharmacy, ensuring that patients can obtain the medication discreetly and affordably.

What is Lithium Carbonate?

Lithium carbonate is an alkali metal salt classified pharmacologically as a mood stabiliser. The Health Sciences Authority granted its initial approval in Singapore in 1975 for the maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder, following earlier approvals by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 197 and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 1971. The compound works by entering neuronal cells and influencing second-messenger systems, most notably the phosphoinositide pathway, which in turn reduces hyper-excitability linked to mania. Its core mechanism involves inhibition of inositol monophosphatase and modulation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), key enzymes that regulate mood-related neurotransmission. Because the therapeutic window is narrow, serum lithium levels are routinely monitored in clinical practice. Both branded products such as Eskalith and Priadel and generic lithium carbonate tablets are listed in Singapore’s National Medicines Database and can be purchased through our pharmacy service, which sources them from licensed international suppliers meeting WHO-GMP standards.

How Lithium Carbonate Works

Mechanism of Action

Lithium carbonate dissociates into lithium ions (Li⁺) after oral absorption. These ions penetrate the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in neurons, where they inhibit inositol monophosphatase, leading to reduced recycling of phosphatidyl-inositol bisphosphate (PIP₂). The downstream effect is a dampening of the phosphoinositide signalling cascade, which curtails excessive neuronal firing associated with mania. Lithium also directly inhibits glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), an enzyme implicated in circadian rhythm regulation and neuroplasticity, thereby stabilising mood over the long term.

Therapeutic Effects

By blunting overactive intracellular signalling, lithium carbonate reduces the frequency and severity of manic episodes and diminishes the risk of depressive relapses. Clinical observations show that patients receiving therapeutic serum concentrations (.6-1.2 mmol/L) experience fewer hospitalisations and improved functional outcomes compared with untreated cohorts. The drug’s neuroprotective properties, linked to GSK-3 inhibition, may also contribute to its efficacy in preventing mood recurrence.

Onset and Duration

Therapeutic effects typically emerge after several weeks of consistent dosing; most trials report a noticeable reduction in manic symptoms within 2-4 weeks, while full prophylactic benefits may require 2-3 months of maintenance therapy. Lithium’s half-life ranges from 18 to 24 hours, permitting once- or twice-daily dosing. Steady-state serum concentrations are achieved after 5-7 days of regular intake, at which point clinicians evaluate efficacy and tolerability.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Bipolar I Disorder (maintenance therapy): HSA, FDA, and EMA endorse lithium carbonate for long-term prevention of manic and depressive episodes.
Acute Mania (as adjunct): In some jurisdictions, lithium is approved as part of combination regimens to rapidly control severe manic agitation.

Off-Label Uses

Treatment-Resistant Unipolar Depression: Small-scale studies suggest lithium augmentation can boost response rates when added to antidepressants.
Impulse-Control Disorders (e.g., borderline personality disorder): Limited evidence indicates mood-stabilising benefits, though such use is not formally approved by regulatory agencies.

Clinical Efficacy

A landmark double-blind trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated a 46 % reduction in recurrence of mood episodes among patients maintaining serum lithium levels of .8 mmol/L versus placebo. The Lancet reported that lithium-treated individuals had a 30 % lower risk of suicide compared with untreated controls, underscoring its unique protective profile among psychotropic agents.

Buying Lithium Carbonate from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Access to lithium carbonate can be challenging when local pharmacies experience stock shortages or when patients require discreet delivery. Our online pharmacy bridges that gap, offering a secure, privacy-focused platform that ships directly to your Singapore address.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Eskalith - 300 mg tablets, branded formulation.
Lithobid - 450 mg tablets, widely prescribed in Europe.
Priadel - 300 mg tablets, known for consistent dissolution.

Generic lithium carbonate tablets, typically available in 300 mg and 450 mg strengths, provide the same active ingredient at a lower cost.

Quality & Safety

We facilitate orders through verified partners that operate under the regulatory frameworks of the HSA, FDA, and EMA, and whose manufacturing facilities comply with WHO-GMP standards.

Pricing & Access

Because we source directly from bulk manufacturers, generic tablets can be up to 45 % cheaper than brand-name equivalents. All repeat purchases qualify for a lifetime 10 % discount, ensuring long-term affordability for chronic treatment.

Discreet Delivery

Express shipping arrives within ~7 days, while the standard option takes up to 3 weeks. Packages are sealed in neutral, tamper-evident envelopes, protecting your privacy from the moment they leave our warehouse.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Lithium carbonate is supplied as oral tablets (300 mg and 450 mg) and, less commonly, as extended-release capsules (600 mg). Liquid formulations are not approved in Singapore.

Typical Dosing Ranges

For adults initiating maintenance therapy in bipolar disorder, clinicians often start with 300 mg taken two to three times daily, adjusting to achieve serum levels of .6-1.2 mmol/L. In acute mania, higher total daily doses (up to 180 mg) may be used under close observation. The exact regimen is always tailored by a qualified provider based on renal function, age, and concomitant medications.

Administration Guidelines

Lithium carbonate should be taken with a consistent amount of fluid-usually a full glass of water-to facilitate absorption and reduce the risk of nephrolithiasis. Doses are best spaced evenly throughout the day; taking the medication with food does not significantly alter bioavailability, but some patients prefer post-meal dosing to minimise gastrointestinal discomfort. Regular blood draws are required to monitor serum lithium concentrations and renal function.

A healthcare professional must determine the precise dose and schedule for each individual.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Tremor: Reported in ~15 % of patients; usually mild and dose-dependent.
Polydipsia and Polyuria: Occur in 10-20 % of users, reflecting lithium’s effect on renal concentrating ability.
Weight Gain: Observed in up to 12 % of long-term users.
Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhoea): Frequently noted during the titration phase.

Serious Adverse Events

Lithium toxicity: Serum levels >1.5 mmol/L can cause confusion, ataxia, and cardiac arrhythmias; emergency medical attention is required.
Hypothyroidism: Chronic therapy may suppress thyroid function in 5-10 % of patients, warranting periodic TSH monitoring.
Renal impairment: Long-term use has been linked to reduced glomerular filtration rate; baseline and annual renal panels are recommended.

Contraindications

Severe renal disease (e.g., end-stage renal failure).
Uncontrolled thyroid disease.
Known hypersensitivity to lithium salts.

Drug Interactions

CYP450 inhibitors (e.g., NSAIDs, thiazide diuretics) can raise serum lithium levels, increasing toxicity risk.
Serotonergic agents (SSRIs, MAOIs) may potentiate serotonergic syndrome when combined with lithium.
ACE inhibitors and ARBs may reduce renal clearance of lithium, necessitating dose adjustment.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Lithium crosses the placenta; first-trimester exposure is associated with a modest increase in cardiac malformation risk. Women of child-bearing potential should discuss alternatives with their clinician.
Breastfeeding: Small amounts are secreted in breast milk; breastfeeding while on lithium is generally discouraged.
Elderly: Reduced renal function often requires lower starting doses and closer monitoring.
Hepatic or renal impairment: Dose reductions and more frequent serum level checks are essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main way Lithium Carbonate stabilises mood? Lithium modulates intracellular signalling by inhibiting inositol monophosphatase and GSK-3, which dampens neuronal hyper-excitability linked to manic episodes.
How does Lithium Carbonate differ from other mood stabilisers like valproate? Unlike valproate, which primarily enhances GABAergic activity, lithium directly targets second-messenger systems and has a unique anti-suicidal effect demonstrated in large cohort studies.
How long before I notice a reduction in manic symptoms after starting Lithium Carbonate? Most patients report noticeable calming of acute mania within 2-4 weeks, while full prophylactic benefits may take 2-3 months of steady dosing.
What should I do if I develop hand tremor while on Lithium Carbonate? Mild tremor is common; ensure you are hydrated, avoid excessive caffeine, and discuss dose adjustment with your clinician if the tremor interferes with daily activities.
Can I take Lithium Carbonate with over-the-counter pain relievers? NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can raise lithium levels and increase toxicity risk. Acetaminophen is generally safer, but always confirm with your healthcare provider.
Does food affect the absorption of Lithium Carbonate? Food does not significantly alter lithium’s bioavailability, but taking the tablet with a full glass of water can improve tolerability and reduce gastrointestinal upset.
Is it safe to travel with Lithium Carbonate and cross time zones? Maintain consistent dosing intervals as much as possible; if a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the next scheduled dose, then skip the missed one. Keep the medication in original packaging to avoid customs issues.
What monitoring is required while on Lithium Carbonate? Regular serum lithium levels (every 4-6 weeks after stabilization, then quarterly), kidney function tests, and thyroid function assessments are standard practice.
Can Lithium Carbonate cause weight gain, and how can I manage it? Modest weight gain occurs in a subset of patients. Balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and discussing dose adjustments with your provider can help mitigate this effect.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing Lithium Carbonate?
- Complete list of current medications, including supplements and over-the-counter drugs.
- History of kidney or thyroid disease.
- Any prior episodes of lithium toxicity or severe side effects.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding status, if applicable.

Disclaimer

The information provided about Lithium Carbonate is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing Lithium Carbonate for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing Lithium Carbonate.