When it comes to managing bipolar disorder, many people have questions about the differences between lithium orotate and prescription lithium. Lithium orotate is a supplement available over-the-counter, while prescription lithium (usually lithium carbonate) is a well-studied medication that doctors use to help stabilize mood swings in bipolar disorder. Both forms contain lithium, but they are not the same in how they work, how much you need to take, or how safe they are. This blog will compare lithium orotate and prescription lithium, looking at their effectiveness, safety, and what current research says, so you can better understand your options for bipolar disorder treatment.
What is Lithium?
Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used as a lithium treatment for bipolar disorder, helping to manage and prevent episodes of mania and depression. It is one of the oldest and most effective bipolar medications, often prescribed for long-term bipolar treatment to keep mood swings under control. Lithium works by balancing chemicals in the brain, though the exact way it works is not fully understood. It can take several weeks to feel the full benefits, and regular blood tests are needed to ensure safe levels. Common lithium side effects include nausea, shakiness, thirst, and sometimes confusion or memory problems. While lithium is not a cure, it helps many people with bipolar disorder live more stable lives.
Is Lithium a Prescription Drug?
Lithium is a prescription drug and must be prescribed by a doctor or licensed healthcare provider. Before starting lithium treatment for bipolar disorder or other conditions, a healthcare professional will conduct important health checks and monitor your response to the medication. Regular blood tests are required to ensure safe and effective dosing, as lithium levels need to be kept within a specific range. You cannot buy prescription lithium over-the-counter; it is only available through a pharmacy with a valid prescription from your healthcare provider.
How Does Lithium Treat Bipolar Disorder?
Lithium treats the condition by stabilizing mood and reducing the frequency and severity of manic and depressive episodes. It works by affecting brain chemicals and signaling pathways, including reducing excitatory neurotransmitters like dopamine and glutamate, while increasing the calming neurotransmitter GABA. Lithium also inhibits certain enzymes, such as inositol monophosphatase and glycogen synthase kinase-3, which help regulate mood and protect brain cells from damage. These mechanisms of actions help restore balance in the brain, making mood swings less.
What Is Lithium Orotate?
Lithium orotate is a compound made from lithium and orotic acid, and it is sold as an over-the-counter dietary supplement, not a prescription drug. People often use lithium orotate to support mood, manage stress, and promote brain health, but it contains much lower amounts of lithium than prescription medications for bipolar I or II disorder. Unlike prescription lithium, lithium orotate is not approved by the FDA for treating any medical condition and should not replace professional bipolar treatment. Always talk to a healthcare provider before using lithium orotate for mental health concerns.
What Are the Risks of Using Lithium Orotate for Bipolar Disorder?
Using lithium orotate for bipolar issues may seem appealing because it is available over-the-counter, but it comes with important risks that everyone should know about:
- No medical supervision: Lithium orotate is not prescribed or monitored by a doctor, increasing the risk of taking too much or too little.
- Unpredictable dosing: Without blood tests, it’s hard to know if you’re getting a safe or effective amount.
- Potential side effects: Even at lower doses, lithium orotate can cause hand tremors, excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, drowsiness, and mood changes.
- Drug interactions: It may interact with other medications, especially those affecting the kidneys, thyroid, or serotonin levels.
- Not FDA approved for bipolar disorder: There is limited evidence for its safety and effectiveness in treating bipolar disorder, and it should not replace professional medical treatment.
Looking For Mental Health Treatment?
How Is Bipolar Disorder Treated at a Mental Health Facility?
At a mental health facility, bipolar disorder is treated with a comprehensive approach that combines medical care, therapy, and support to help people manage mood swings and lead more stable lives.
Initial Assessment for Bipolar Disorder
The treatment process usually starts with an initial assessment, where mental health professionals ask questions about symptoms, medical history, and daily life to understand each person’s unique needs. The initial assessment is a careful process where mental health professionals gather detailed information about your symptoms, how long they’ve lasted, and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your family history and any risk factors for bipolar disorder.
Doctors often perform physical exams and lab tests to rule out other medical conditions that could mimic bipolar symptoms, like thyroid problems or medication side effects. Sometimes, they may ask you to keep a mood diary or speak with close family members to get a clearer picture of your mood patterns and behaviors. This thorough approach helps ensure an accurate diagnosis and the best plan for your care.
Individualized Treatment Plan for Bipolar Disorder
Based on the assessment, the team creates an individualized treatment plan that may include medication, one-on-one counseling, group therapy, and education about managing the condition. An individualized treatment plan is carefully designed based on each person’s unique symptoms, history, and needs. After the initial assessment, the care team sets specific goals, like stabilizing mood and preventing relapses, and chooses the best mix of treatments. This plan often includes:
- Medication management: Regular check-ins with a psychiatrist to adjust medications and monitor for side effects.
- Therapy: Options like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, or group sessions to build coping skills and manage mood swings.
- Lifestyle support: Guidance on sleep routines, healthy eating, and stress reduction to support overall stability.
- Education: Teaching about bipolar disorder, warning signs, and how to handle triggers.
- Progress tracking: Using mood charts or journals to monitor changes and make adjustments as needed.
- Safety planning: Creating strategies for handling crises or risky behaviors.
This personalized plan is designed to support recovery, teach coping skills, and help individuals build a healthier, more balanced life. The plan is flexible and reviewed regularly, making changes as needed to fit the person’s progress and life circumstances. This personalized approach helps people with bipolar disorder achieve better stability, self-awareness, and quality of life.
Footprints to Recovery Mental Health provides outpatient treatment programs in New Jersey.
Psychotherapy for Bipolar Disorder
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a key part of treatment, helping people understand and manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors for better daily functioning and emotional stability. Other proven therapies for bipolar dsiorder include:
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Bipolar Disorder: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a skill-based approach that teaches mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT helps people better manage intense emotions, cope with stress, and improve relationships by practicing acceptance and healthy responses to challenges.
- Holistic Therapy for Bipolar Disorder: Holistic therapy focuses on treating the whole person-mind, body, and spirit-rather than just symptoms. This approach may combine traditional talk therapy with mindfulness, yoga, nutrition guidance, lifestyle changes, social support, and education to help people with bipolar disorder build resilience, establish healthy routines, and maintain long-term wellness.
Professional Help for Bipolar Disorder Near Me
If bipolar disorder is causing problems in your daily life, seeking professional help can make a big difference. Search in online directories for therapists. A mental health provider can offer support, therapy, and medication to help you manage symptoms and regain stability. A licensed counselor can assist you with a personalized treatment plan and provide individualized therapy.
Lithium orotate is a lithium supplement that combines lithium with orotic acids, whereas prescription lithium used in lithium therapy typically comes in the form of a lithium salt like lithium carbonate or lithium citrate. Prescription lithium is clinically proven for managing bipolar disorder and requires regular blood level monitoring, while low-dose lithium from supplements like lithium orotate is marketed as a gentler, over-the-counter option. However, unlike medically supervised lithium therapy, the safety and effectiveness of lithium orotate for bipolar disorder remain unproven in large-scale clinical research.
Contact Footprints to Recovery Mental Health for compassionate, personalized bipolar disorder treatment and start your journey toward a healthier, more balanced life.
References:
- Comparing Lithium vs Lithium Orate – Drugs.com
- Lithium orotate: A superior option for lithium therapy? – PubMed
- Lithium Dosing – Psychiatry Redefined
- Lithium (oral route) – Mayo Clinic
- Lithium – Medline Plus
- Lithium – NIH [StatPearls]
- Guidelines for the Managment of Patients on Lithium – NHS Borders
- Potential mechanisms of action of lithium in bipolar disorder. Current understanding – PubMed
- LITHIUM IN THE TREATMENT OF BIPOLAR DISORDER: PHARMACOLOGY AND PHARMACOGENETICS – PubMed
- Possible Dangers of A “Nutritional Supplement” Lithium Orotate – Sage Journals
- Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Bipolar Disorder – PubMed
- Lithium for Bipolar Disorder – Pros and Cons Unclear – Medical News Today
- Bipolar Disorder – NIH
- Psychotherapy in Bipolar Depression: Effective Yet Underused – PubMed
- Different Types of Therapy for Bipolar Disorder – NAMI
- Bipolar Disorder – Mind.org
- Finding the Right Therapist for Bipolar Disorder – Healthline
- Find a Bipolar Disorder Therapist – Psychology Today
