Lithium is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal so reactive (it sparks when it touches water) that it’s not found in nature. Instead, it’s found in mineral compounds and in mineral water.
Cosmologists believe that lithium was one of the 3 elements synthesized in the Big Bang.[i] So it’s been around for a long time.
Most of us associate lithium with treating mental illnesses like bipolar disorder and mania. Or the lithium-ion battery in our phone. Which has a tendency to blow up occasionally.
Turns out that the anti-psychotic medication lithium isn’t even a drug. It’s actually a mineral. And part of the same family of minerals that include potassium and sodium.
As a nootropic, micro-dosing lithium provides some amazing anti-aging benefits. Recent research shows that low-dose lithium may also help slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Low-dose lithium also helps neurogenesis and memory. And is a mood stabilizer.
Here we’ll investigate daily or frequent use of Lithium Orotate as a nootropic, and how it benefits cognitive health.
Lithium helps:
- Balance mood. Lithium calms mania (extreme highs and lows) by decreasing sensitivity of the post-synaptic norepinephrine receptor.[ii] And increases uptake of norepinephrine into synaptosomes. Preventing the release of this neurotransmitter. And lithium enhances the transport of Vitamin B12 and folate into brain cells.[iii] Affecting mood and aggression.
- Growth Factors. Lithium upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT3) and their receptors. And lithium stimulates the proliferation of stem cells in the brain. All boosting neurogenesis and assisting in repair from all types of brain injury.[iv]
- Neuroprotection. Lithium increases brain gray matter, increases DNA replication for neurogenesis, prevents apoptosis, increases N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), inhibits beta-amyloid secretion and protects against damage once it’s formed, chelates aluminum, and protects against glutamate toxicity.
Table of Contents
Overview
Lithium is an alkali mineral and one the trace elements considered essential for both animal and human reproductive health, and general health and wellness.
Discovered as a chemical element in 1817, lithium’s first recorded modern medical use was in 1871 for the treatment of mania.
But the use of lithium for therapeutic use goes back to ancient Greek and Roman times. People enjoyed soaking in alkali springs to help with physical and mental illness.
People have been using mineral springs for therapeutic use ever since. Lithia Springs in Douglas County, Georgia was so popular that people came for miles just to drink the water.
The Sweet Water hotel, a luxury 500-room resort was opened in 1887. And attracted famous authors, business people and prominent politicians who came for the spring’s health benefits. The name “Lithia” stems from water rich in lithium.
Studies from around the world have shown the critical health benefits of lithium. One study using data from 27 Texas counties from 1978 – 1987 found that rates of suicide, homicide and rape were significantly higher in counties whose drinking water contained little or no lithium.[v]
Another study of lithium levels in tap water in 18 municipalities in Japan showed standard mortality ratios lower in places with higher lithium levels.[vi]
Yet another study conducted in Texas in 2013 confirmed the original findings in that state. Drinking water samples from 226 counties found a correlation between lithium levels and suicide rates.[vii]
Researchers who conducted meta-analyses of lithium levels and public drinking water suggested “increasing lithium levels of drinking water could potentially reduce the risk of suicide, and justify administering lithium to tap water.”[viii]
An article in the Lancet in 1949 by John Cade is credited for the modern medical use of lithium as an effective treatment for manic psychosis.[ix]
The United States FDA approved high dose lithium carbonate and lithium citrate in 1970 for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Carbonic acid and citric acid are mineral carriers used to transport lithium throughout your body.
Doctors also prescribe lithium off-label for treating migraines, seizure disorders and psychosis usually after other treatments have failed.
But as we dig deeper into the most recently published research on lithium, we realize this trace element is essential for optimal health and brain function.
The lithium we get from our diet prevents many neurological and psychiatric problems. Micro-dosing lithium as a nootropic with a supplement like Lithium Orotate can help make up for the what we don’t get from our food and water.
Lithium is naturally available from fish, processed meat, milk, dairy products, eggs, potatoes and vegetables. Your typical dietary intake of lithium can range from 2 – 600 mcg. Amounts vary depending on where the food is grown.
How does Lithium work in the brain?
Lithium helps brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Lithium stabilizes mood. Recent research has discovered that lithium’s mood stabilization effects may be due to its ability to boost the production of new brain cells (neurogenesis).
Lithium inhibits the enzyme glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). This inhibition upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) which stimulates neural stem cells to produce new neurons in the hippocampus.[x]
When neural stem cells produce new neurons in the hippocampus, mood and memory work as designed. But a breakdown in neurogenesis results in mood disorders.
Lithium has long been known to control mania and stabilize mood in bipolar patients. But it was not generally thought of as an antidepressant. Researchers in Tel Aviv provided the first evidence that inhibiting GSK-3β exerted a rapid antidepressant effect in mice.[xi]
Another team at Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Pennsylvania showed that feeding mice chow laced with low-dose lithium for 15 days produced a dose-dependent antidepressant effect.[xii]
Lithium induced gene transcription in the hippocampus, amygdala and hypothalamus. All areas implicated in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, autism and schizophrenia.
- Lithium protects your brain. Your brain cells are at constant risk of damage from exposure to toxins you encounter every day from food, air, water and your environment. And the excitotoxins produced by ordinary brain cell metabolism.
Glutamate plays a major role in the synaptic plasticity needed for learning and memory.[xiii] But over-activity of glutamate on its NMDA receptors causes neuron death and is implicated in Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease. Lithium inhibits this overactivity.[xiv]
Lithium also increases the production of a neuroprotective protein called bcl-2.[xv] Researchers maintain that lithium is the only “medication” that has been demonstrated to significantly increase bcl-2 in several brain areas.
Lithium has also recently been evaluated in preventing and treating traumatic brain injury. In a study conducted in 2014, Dr. Peter Leeds stated that lithium had “demonstrated robust beneficial effects in experimental models of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). These include decreases in TBI-induced brain lesion, suppression of neuroinflammation, protection against blood-brain barrier disruption, normalization of behavioral deficits, and improvement of learning and memory, among others.”[xvi]
How things go bad
In 1985, the United States EPA estimated that dietary intake of lithium from food in the USA varied from 0.6 to 3.1 mg per day.[xvii] For comparison, people who live in the Andes in Northern Argentina consume 2 to 30 mg per day, with 2 – 3 mg just from drinking water.[xviii]
As your dietary sodium and caffeine increases, so does lithium excretion in urine which increases your requirement for this essential trace mineral.
Your exposure to stress and toxins from things like mercury, aspartame, MSG, Bisphenol A (BPA) and other excitotoxins also raise cortisol and other stress hormones. Increasing your need for more water-soluble nutrients like B-vitamins, magnesium, zinc and lithium.
Low lithium levels are associated with …
↑ Depression and anxiety increase
↓ Memory and learning ability decline
↑ Insomnia increases
↑ Sensitivity to stress and chronic pain increase
↓ Natural healing processes decline
Adequate daily intake of lithium could help prevent many mental and neurological diseases due to this trace mineral’s effects on nervous system metabolism. And it’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Lithium to the rescue
The clinical research and studies on the neuroprotective benefits of lithium are so overwhelming, some scientists are beginning to ask “why isn’t everyone using lithium”?
Here’s a summary of how micro-dosing lithium using Lithium Orotate can benefit your brain.
- Inhibits apoptosis – lithium inhibits GSK-3 which has been linked to apoptotic cell death
- NMDA-receptors – lithium reduces glutamate induced toxicity mediated by NMDA-receptors which helps in mood disorders, Alzheimer’s, and other autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
- Neuroprotection – blocks the development of beta-amyloid tangles and plaque
- Neurogenesis – lithium promotes the BDNF needed for synaptic plasticity in learning and memory. Lithium also boosts nerve growth factor and glial-derived neurotrophic factor affecting learning, memory, mood and overall brain health[xix]
- Neuronal stem cells – lithium stimulates the stem cells needed to produce new neurons (neurogenesis)
- Stabilizes mood – lithium is known for providing a calming effect in healthy people as well as those dealing with depression, bipolar disorder, and mania
- Suicide prevention – adequate levels of lithium has been shown to reduce suicide risk in multiple studies worldwide
- Depression – lithium helps with treatment-resistant depression. In fact, lithium has been shown to improve the effectiveness of antidepressant medications
- N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) – lithium increases NAA which has been associated with higher IQ scores[xx] (i.e. lithium will make you smarter!)
The benefits of supplementing with lithium go far beyond just optimizing cognitive health. Lithium also helps decrease insulin resistance, helps in treatment of alcoholism and other addictions, supports bone health, balances your circadian rhythm and more.
How does Lithium feel?
My personal experience with Lithium Orotate has made me a believer in micro-dosing lithium. I’m Adult ADD and deal with mood swings from time to time.
If I’m going around the bend because something upset me, I take 5 mg of Lithium Orotate. Within 15 minutes my mood stabilizes and I feel normal again. Consistent use puts me in a happy mood.
Many others report you’ll feel the results taking a low dose of lithium quickly. But for some, the full effect can take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks. Micro-dosing 5 – 10 mg of lithium daily results in consistent results within a month or two for some. I’ve experienced great results within a couple of days.
So if you lash out at people in anger, and don’t fully understand why you get so angry – it could be your lithium levels are low.
Many neurohackers with depression and anger issues notice results quickly. Within the first couple of days you should feel more calm, relaxed, and experience less stress.
Keep in mind that lithium at any dose is not for everyone. But if you get adequate lithium from your diet and water, and still experience some of the mood swings talked about in this review, you could be dealing with other issues. You should know within a couple of hours of supplementing with low-dose lithium if this supplement is for you.
For some, Lithium Orotate means feeling excited about life for the first time in a long time. Anxiety and social anxiety are no longer a problem. Life is more fun and enjoyable.
Some say Lithium Orotate works better than any prescription that they’ve ever tried to treat severe depression. It provides a nice, smooth mood balance without all the toxicity associated with mega-doses of lithium carbonate.
If you’re dealing with PTSD or mild insomnia, you may want to try Lithium Orotate. Focus could improve, racing thoughts diminish and motivation levels could increase. You’ll have more coping ability.
The Research
Lithium Improves Memory
A study at McMaster University in Canada set out to determine the effects on hippocampus volume in 14 bipolar patients who received lithium therapy.
The researchers examined the effects of lithium on hippocampal volumes and memory performance and recall over 2 – 4 years. The patients had not received any type of medication prior to using lithium.
The study found increases in hippocampus volume over time. And evidence of improvement of verbal memory performance over the 4-year measurement period.
The researchers concluded that the results of the study were consistent with the literature stating the neuroprotective effects of lithium. And that long-term treatment of lithium is associated with preservation of memory and recall due to increased hippocampus size.[xxi]
Lithium Increases Mood in Recovering Addicts
24 adults recovering from heroin or methamphetamine addiction participated in a study in San Diego. Group A received 400 mcg per day of lithium taken orally for 4 weeks. The placebo Group B naturally took a non-active placebo.
Subjects completed a mood test questionnaire containing questions about their ability to think, work, mood and emotions. For the lithium group, mood test scores increased steadily and significantly during the 4 week period.
The lithium group also reported significantly increased levels of happiness, friendliness and energy. Group B showed no improvement during the same period.
The researchers concluded that low-dose lithium provided a mood-improving and stabilizing effect.[xxii]
Lithium Orotate in the Treatment of Alcoholism
In this study, 42 alcoholic patients were treated with Lithium Orotate during alcohol rehabilitation in a private clinical setting for six months. The data was collected from clinical practice records for the 10 years following the initial study.
The patients received 150 mg of Lithium Orotate daily for six months along with calcium orotate, magnesium orotate, bromelain and essential phospholipids.
Ten of the patients had no relapse from 3 – 10 years. 13 patients stayed sober from 1 – 3 years. The remaining patients relapsed between 6 – 12 months.
The researchers concluded that Lithium Orotate therapy was safe in treating addiction with minor adverse side effects.[xxiii]
Dosage Notes
Lithium retains a grim and undeserved reputation. Likely because it was originally associated with serious mental illness. And like most medications, lithium can produce serious side effects if not monitored properly.
Lithium carbonate or lithium chloride salts are typically prescribed for long-term control of bipolar disorder at 900 – 1200 mg per day. The major problem with such high doses of lithium are some very serious and debilitating side effects.
For nootropic use, we suggest Lithium Orotate which typically contains only 5 mg of elemental lithium. Lithium Orotate is orotic acid combined with lithium.
Orotic acid reportedly makes the lithium more bioavailable than lithium carbonate. The lithium is released once it crosses the blood-brain barrier. So you’ll get the benefits of lithium supplementation while avoiding the toxic side effects of high doses.[xxiv]
Lithium Orotate recommended dose is 5 mg two or three times per day. See “Available Forms” for more on lithium amounts in nootropic supplements.
Many neurohackers use Lithium Orotate only as needed. For example, when feeling anxious or in the middle of a mood swing.
For someone with bipolar disorder or manic disorders, increasing to two 5 mg tablets up to 3-times per day may be more effective.
Naturopathic doctors suggest stacking 1,000 mg of Omega-3 and 400 UI of Vitamin E (as mixed tocopherols) each day you’re using Lithium Orotate.
Side Effects
Do not confuse Lithium Orotate with lithium carbonate. The carbonate version of lithium is only available by prescription and comes with a host of side effects.
Lithium Orotate at low doses is non-toxic and lab tests are not required to monitor your lithium levels because it does not show up in blood samples.
Lithium Orotate should not be used if you are dealing with significant renal or cardiovascular disease, severe dehydration or sodium depletion, or if you’re taking diuretics or ACE inhibitors.
Do not use Lithium Orotate if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
You should check with your doctor if you are on any medication before using Lithium Orotate.
Available Forms
Mother Nature has already put the antipsychotic “drug” lithium in drinking water. And you get some lithium from food depending on where it’s grown.
Supplemental Lithium Orotate typically comes in 120 or 130 mg capsules or tablets containing 5 mg of elemental lithium.
I recommend and use Lithium Orotate by Advanced Research which was formulated by Dr. Hans Nieper.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Lithium Orotate 5 mg 2 or 3 times per day.
We recommend using Lithium Orotate as a nootropic supplement if you’re feeling anxious or depressed. Or experiencing mood swings.
Your body does not make lithium on its own. So you must get this essential trace mineral from your diet, or a supplement like Lithium Orotate.
Lithium combined with orotic acid makes Lithium Orotate which readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, and you should feel its effects within 15 – 20 minutes of taking it.
Lithium Orotate is especially effective if you’re feeling stressed, or mentally over-worked. Your brain uses lithium faster and it needs to be replaced. Which you can do by using Lithium Orotate.
Lithium Orotate is great if you are ADHD because lithium calms the hyperactivity in your brain.
Supplementing with lithium does not change your state of consciousness. It simply helps bring you back to feeling normal and happy.
We suggest trying Lithium Orotate as a nootropic supplement with your first dose at 5 mg and see how you react. If you experience no negative reaction, try another 5 mg in a few hours. Up to 3 – 5 mg doses per day.
You’ll likely experience the full benefits of Lithium Orotate within a week of consistent use.
[i] Boesgaard A.M., Steigman G. (1985). "Big bang nucleosynthesis – Theories and observations". Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics. Palo Alto, CA. 23: 319–378. (source)
[ii] Swann A.C. “Norepinephrine and (Na+, K+)-ATPase: evidence for stabilization by lithium or imipramine.” Neuropharmacology. 1988 Mar;27(3):261-7. (source)
[iii] Herbert V., Colman N. “Release of vitamin binding proteins from granulocytes by lithium: vitamin B12 and folate binding proteins.” Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 1980;127:61-78. (source)
[iv] Young W. “Review of lithium effects on brain and blood.” Cell Transplantation. 2009;18(9):951-75. (source)
[v] Schrauzer G.N., Shrestha K.P. “Lithium in drinking water and the incidences of crimes, suicides, and arrests related to drug addictions.” Biological Trace Element Research. 1990 May;25(2):105-13. (source)
[vi] Ohgami H., Terao T., Shiotsuki I., Ishii N., Iwata N. “Lithium levels in drinking water and risk of suicide.” British Journal of Psychiatry. 2009 May;194(5):464-5 (source)
[vii] Blüml V., Regier M.D., Hlavin G., Rockett I.R., König F., Vyssoki B., Bschor T., Kapusta N.D. “Lithium in the public water supply and suicide mortality in Texas.” Journal of Psychiatric Research. 2013 Mar;47(3):407-11. (source)
[viii] Terao T., Goto S., Inagaki M., Okamoto Y. “Even very low but sustained lithium intake can prevent suicide in the general population?” Medical Hypotheses. 2009 Nov;73(5):811-2 (source)
[ix] Cade J.F.J. “Lithium Salts in the Treatment of Psychotic Excitement” The Medical Journal of Australia Vol. II No. 10, September 3, 1949 (source)
[x] Wada A. “Lithium and neuropsychiatric therapeutics: neuroplasticity via glycogen synthase kinase-3beta, beta-catenin, and neurotrophin cascades.” Journal of Pharmacological Sciences. 2009 May;110(1):14-28. (source)
[xi] Kaidanovich-Beilin O., Milman A., Weizman A., Pick C.G., Eldar-Finkelman H. “Rapid antidepressive-like activity of specific glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitor and its effect on beta-catenin in mouse hippocampus.” Biological Psychiatry. 2004 Apr 15;55(8):781-4. (source)
[xii] O'Brien W.T., Harper A.D., Jové F., Woodgett J.R., Maretto S., Piccolo S., Klein P.S. “Glycogen synthase kinase-3beta haploinsufficiency mimics the behavioral and molecular effects of lithium.” Journal of Neuroscience. 2004 Jul 28;24(30):6791-8. (source)
[xiii] Collingridge G.L, Watkins J.C. “The NMDA Receptor.” New York: Oxford Univ. Press; 1994.
[xiv] Chuang D., Christ L., Fujimaki K., Hashimoto R., Jeong M.R. “Lithium-induced inhibition of Src tyrosine kinase in rat cerebral cortical neurons: A role in neuroprotection against N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated excitotoxicity”. FEBS Letters 2003; 538(1-3): 45-148 (source)
[xv] Manji H.K, Chen G., Moore G.J. “Lithium at 50: Have the neuroprotective effects of this unique cation been overlooked?” Biological Psychiatry 1999; 46(7): 929-940 (source)
[xvi] Leeds P.R., Yu F., Wang Z., Chiu C., Zhang Y., Leng Y., Linares G.R., Chuang D. “A New Avenue for Lithium: Intervention in Traumatic Brain Injury” ACS Chemical Neuroscience. 2014 Jun 18; 5(6): 422–433. (source)
[xvii] Schrauzer G.N. “Lithium: occurrence, dietary intakes, nutritional essentiality.” Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2002 Feb;21(1):14-21. (source)
[xviii] Concha G., Broberg K., Grandér M., Cardozo A., Palm B., Vahter M. “High-level exposure to lithium, boron, cesium, and arsenic via drinking water in the Andes of northern Argentina.” Environmental Science and Technology. 2010 Sep 1;44(17):6875-80 (source)
[xix] Angelucci F., Aloe L., Jiménez-Vasquez P., Mathé A.A. “Lithium treatment alters brain concentrations of nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in a rat model of depression.” International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. 2003 Sep;6(3):225-31. (source)
[xx] Aydin K., Uysal S., Yakut A., Emiroglu B., Yılmaz F. “N-acetylaspartate concentration in corpus callosum is positively correlated with intelligence in adolescents.” Neuroimage. 2012 Jan 16;59(2):1058-64 (source)
[xxi] Yucel K., McKinnon M.C., Taylor V.H, Macdonald K., Alda M., Young L.T., MacQueen G.M. “Bilateral hippocampal volume increases after long-term lithium treatment in patients with bipolar disorder: a longitudinal MRI study.” Psychopharmacology (Berlin). 2007 Dec;195(3):357-67 (source)
[xxii] Schrauzer G.N., de Vroey E. “ Effects of nutritional lithium supplementation on mood. A placebo-controlled study with former drug users.” Biological Trace Element Research. 1994 Jan;40(1):89-101. (source)
[xxiii] Sartori H.E. “Lithium orotate in the treatment of alcoholism and related conditions.” Alcohol. 1986 Mar-Apr;3(2):97-100. (source)
[xxiv] Lakhan S., Vieira K.F. “Nutritional therapies for mental disorders” Nutrition Journal 2008; 7: 2. (source)
Can I take LO with Prozac? I’m starting Prozac but have found some great information on Lithium orotate and wanting to add it to the mix. Thanks
Michael, lithium has been shown to improve the effectiveness of antidepressant medications. And I’m not aware of any direct contraindications.
But I’ve found this site to a great way to check: https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html. Just look for Prozac using their search function. And you’ll get an alphabetical list of drugs and compounds that it’s contraindicated with.
Hi David, is there any nootropic that can help with Childhood emotional abuse?
For example, the person doesn’t feel pain or pleasure. He just thinks and replies everything logically. He doesn’t have emotions anymore because those emotions were either neglected or unvalidated in the childhood.
Anything that can help the Hippocampus to regrow and stop the Amygdala to constantly think every interaction as an “attack”. So that the person can restart their life and have all those childhood emotions and feelings associated with them.
One more thing, can fasting help to reverse this condition in your opinion?
Dr. Sam, it sounds like you are describing anhedonia. I did research on how to treat anhedonia last year for an email. And what I found was the best method for treating it was ketamine. But we can’t buy ketamine over the counter so I looked up how it works in the brain. And came up with a list of 5 nootropics that effected the same thing. The email with suggested nootropics is here: https://mailchi.mp/ed0e21d51fbc/new-how-to-design-a-personal-nootropic-stack
Hi David, I am weaning off of paxil 20 mg, after having been on it for 25 years for social anxiety. The medicine has lost its efficacy, so my doctor supplemented with mirtazipine 7.5 mg. I have weaned down to 12 mg of paxil but am still on the mirtazipine, and am reducing my paxil dosage by 1 mg a month, very slowly, but am having withdrawal symptoms of increased anxiety, dizziness, headaches,etc. Is is ok to take lithium orotate while weaning off of the paxil? I am also supplementing with 1200 mg dha fish oils, vit d3+K, methyl B-12, B Supreme, 1,000 mg magnesium gylcinate, pregnenlone, resveratrol, vit C, astragalus, alpha lipoic acid, nrf2, dim eval, probiotic, and collegen hydrostalt. I would like to be only on the natural supplements, so your advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you for the work you do!
Kathy, Lithium Orotate works for many people and shouldn’t create a problem with your meds according to the contraindications lists that I’ve looked at. But I’d suggest starting with only one dose first to see how you feel.
My son is 13 and I think he struggles with ADHD – we are in the process of completing the evaluation now. Our naturopath suggested he take Lithium Orotate and see if that helps before putting him on any of the prescription medication for ADHD. He is 90 pounds. Would a 5 mg capsule be safe for him? Thank you!
Dawn, it should be safe because the amount of elemental lithium is so small at 5 mg. Please take a look at this post on ADHD which provides possible alternatives to stimulant drugs: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
Hi David, I work for a health food retail company and had told our nutritional health coach (NHC) that my husband and I are taking lithium orotate. After one week, I’ve noticed an improvement in my mood and overall sleep patterns. However, our NHC researched lithium while we were talking and she said that there are concerns about lithium and thyroid health.
Apparently, lithium inhibits the uptake of iodine. I found several sites that caution about the use of lithium because of this and also caution against long-term use due to the potential for kidney problems and other thyroid health issues.
As always, there’s a great deal of conflicting information online. Do you know if the “concerns” mentioned on several sites refer to all forms of lithium? I’m unable to find anything that is specific about the form(s) of lithium referred to in their articles. I’m interested in continuing the use of lithium because of the improvement noted.
Any other information and/or references would be very helpful, David. I listen to your YouTube podcasts frequently and always find the information very helpful and interesting. Thank you so much for your hard work and research! I appreciate it!
Therese, there is much confusion between “lithium” and “lithium orotate”. Because Lithium Carbonate and the like has been prescribed for decades for psychiatric issues like psychosis and mania. That’s what people are generally talking about. NOT Lithium Orotate.
Lithium Orotate contains max. 5 mg elemental lithium. It’s micro-dosing lithium and doesn’t even show up on blood tests.
I’m severely hypothyroid and use 3 – 4 tables per day without any problem.
Thank you for the quick response, David! I had assumed that this was the case and am grateful for your clarification. I’ll share your response with our staff and friends.
Again, I really appreciate your research and hard work. Thank you so much!
Hi David,
I am highly sensitive to medications so I purchased lithium chloride in dropper form in order to be able to slowly up my dosage to 500 mcg (therapist recommended lithium oratate but couldn’t find it in dropper form). Does lithium chloride have the same delivery as lithium oratate? Alternatively, if I should buy lithium oratate capsules, can I break them open into water?
Thank you!
Alyssa, Lithium Orotate and lithium chloride are NOT the same thing. You could break open the Lithium Orotate capsule and mix it with a drink. But keep in mind that Lithium Orotate supplies only 5 mg elemental lithium. This is like micro-dosing lithium because it is such a small amount. But it is very effective for many people.
iHerb also has a liquid dropper version of Lithium Orotate available as well from KAL.
david, my wife has been taking lithium carbonate 900 mg a day , 1 i(300) n the morning, 2 at night( 600), she’s been diagnosed being bypolar, she’s on lithium only right now, we would like to try the ortate, should I taper off the carbonate?, ortate dosage being bipolar?, God bless, thanks for your help
Randy, that’s not something I’m qualified to advise you on because I’m not a doctor.
Your best bet would be to ask other bipolar patients how they did it. If they weaned off of lithium carbonate slowly while adding Lithium Orotate. And if so how exactly they did it.
I realize this will take a little time but I’m sure you’ll find this type of info by searching forums and even Amazon reviews to see what others are saying.
I have good result with Lithium orotate but the problem is, it only last for about 2-3hrs per dosage of 5mg.
Jason, you can dose Lithium Orotate up to 4-times per day. So when the effect wears off just take another tablet.
Thanks David 😀
David, you mentioned being able to take lithium orotate up to 4 times a day. Does that mean it can only be taken every 6 hours, or can it be taken more frequently than every 6 hours but only 4 times in a 24 hour period? A related question would be whether or not there is a known helf-life. Also, would taking it too close to bedtime will interfere with falling asleep, or would it be beneficial for sleep? One last question, does it have any effect on libido, positive or negative? I just received 2 bottles today (of the brand you recommended) and since this is something I’ve never used before, I thought asking some questions was in order. Thanks.
Larry, not sure what the half life of Lithium Orotate is but it doesn’t matter. Because a lot of research has been done on this and other forms of lithium. And the only ‘safe’ dosage is up to 20 mg per day. Which in this case is 4 tablets: https://www.jpands.org/vol20no4/marshall.pdf.
When you start getting into higher dosages you’re in side effect territory that comes with high-dosage lithium that prescribed by doctors.
It will not interfere with sleep at this dosage. It won’t help you sleep directly but it is calming. And it does not affect libido.
Ok. From the little time I have taken it, I think I can already see that the potential for side effects is real. As I mentioned before, since this is new to me I prefer to err on the side of caution and risk asking “too many” questions than not enough. I just wanted to make sure whether or not 20 mg in 18 hours (my typical day Mon-Thur) was going to be an issue or if I should stick to 15 mg. (15 mg/18 hrs vs 20 mg/18 hrs) Recent production scheduling at work has bumped the stress level up several notches so the benefits of lithium would be much more welcomed as would the benefits of good quality sleep, which was the reason for asking about how/if it affected sleep. Thank you again so much for your willingness to share your knowledge!
PS: Notifications to replies don’t seem to be working.
David, is taking picamillon at the same time as lithium orotate ok, or should it be avoided? Thanks again.
Larry, I’m not aware of any contraindication and am sure there isn’t one published anywhere. This falls under the trial and error category of nootropics. And individual responsibility for testing this stuff.
Lithium Orotate makes my head feel strange. I’m not sure if groggy is the word in looking for but it’s something along those lines. I take 5mg.
What do you think is happening?
Brandi, if you’ve read carefully through my review above you’ll know that Lithium Orotate provides several benefits. Including brain repair, heavy metal chelation, increases hippocampus volume, and more.
But this nootropic is not for everyone. If what you are experiencing is a genuine negative side effect it’s possible you should not be using it. If on the other hand there is some repair going on in your brain the “groggy”-ness should settle down in a few days.
Hi Brandi,
Just wondering how you got on with the Lithium orotate. I’m experiencing weird sensation like brain fuzziness too, and mild to moderate headache. I’m only taking 2.5mg (1/2 capsule). But, I do have a very long history of CFS so I imagine there’s a lot of brain detoxing/repair going on.
Just wondering if symptoms improved for you?
Dear, David,
Thank you for this article on article on LO, and this comment section which you take seriously and clearly you have been helping people with. I began taking LO about six months ago. For the first time in my life I am stable and happy and high functioning. Before then I had suffered from bipolar II symptoms for 40 wild years. I was exhausted by the blowback from my extreme behaviors and this year tried one more big search for a cure, and… Something changed!
Now I am in the state of grace and equanimity. My mind is at peace, high functioning. I had tried Lithium Carbonate, lamictal, klonopin, weekly therapy for decades, etc. But still I wrestled with depression, racing thoughts, hyper sexuality, anxiety, self doubt and obsessive thinking, not to mention the awful side effects of prescriptions. All this brain dysfunction lead to excessive journaling, spending sprees, 3 painful divorces, over committing, disorganization, risky behavior, recreational drug use, and living in a state of desperation, for relief from boredom or pain or life itself at times.
Now I don’t want to kill myself and yet I am not numb to my feelings. Amazing! I am pretty certain its the 5mg LO in the morning and night that changed me. I have other things that support the benefits of this tiny wonder 5mg pill of LO. Such as: High quality Omegas, Lots of B, theanine, arginine…so many other supplements. And Im still on 150 welbutrin and 10mg busbar. Doing HIIT exercise, weights, yoga and meditation. And a blend of psycho therapy in CBT, EMDR and ACT.
I can’t thank you enough for this website, which I just discovered today as I searched for confirmation about LO. I will be digging deep into this website as I love my mental health and want to live a long life now, at 61 years old.
Now I want to cut back on those supplements which might be unnecessary since I spend a fortune on them. Reading that you make your own capsules is very encouraging for someone who believes in taking nootropics but does not want to have the burden of a huge new expense just to live normally. I want to spend wisely and I hope to find information on your site about how to do that. I am grateful for people like you who share their research and time. THANK YOU DAVID!
Charles, that is good news and happy to know someone else is benefiting from this knowledge.
My wife used to complain about how much I spend on nootropics every month. But she doesn’t anymore. Because she sees what I have come to know. I’m worth the investment.
Keep on doing what you are doing it it’s working. It’s not worth the sacrifice of cutting back just because you feel guilty about how many supplements you use. Never forget the decades you spent getting to this place and what you lost along the way. If this is what it takes …
David,
I started using Lithium Orotate and the first time I tool 10mg my anxiety, rumination, and sense of dread was gone. I was so clear minded I never thought it was possible to get in that state.
Since then I have been sticking with 5mg in the morning still helpful, but not as good as the first time I was taking 10mg. I started using 500mg of NAC along with it.
Just wondering other combos or upping the dose (not sure if body weight matters I weight 200lb) should I experiment with 10+ mg a day (split out during the day?)
Thank you for such a wonderful site!
James, you can safely use 5 mg Lithium Orotate 3-times per day. You may be able to double your dose as well but it depends on what other drugs you are using. Because I found out the hard way that some are contraindicated. Use the drug interaction checker at drugs.com for interactions.
Using NAC is a good idea. But ideally you need to find out what in Lithium is providing you a benefit and find other nootropics that do that too. Tough to advise you which those are because look at the image in this section and you’ll see why: “How does Lithium work in the brain?”
Hi David,my son is 24 year old and he has OCD.His therapy is 45mg Prozak,1,5mg Risset and 4mg Diazepam.Can he take Lithium Orotate for OCD?And what else can you suggest for his condition,because we dont have improvments with mentioned therapy.
Olivera, best place to check for interactions between drugs and nootropics like Lithium Orotate is here: https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html. Enter the drug name then scroll through the drugs and supplements it is contraindicated for. They are in alphabetical order.
I suggest you use the search function top right of Nootropics Expert for “OCD” and “Obsessive Compulsive Disorder” as two separate searches. Several nootropics should show up in your search results. It’ll take some reading to learn how and why each one works for OCD.
Hi David,
I checked the link you provided, but the interaction checker does not recognize lithium orotate (only carbonate.)
D’you think it can be taken with escitalopram? Someone on here wrote that lithium increases serotonin levels, so I was wondering.
You wrote that you learned “the hard way” that you need to be wary of interactions. May one ask what drug interactions you experienced?
Thanks in advance,
Charlotte
Charlotte, lithium is lithium no matter what it is attached to. My first bad experience was my pain management doctor changing an extended release opiate. It never occurred to me that simply a different form or delivery method of a drug would make a difference.
I ended up in the ER after 2 days of head to toe severe muscle spasms. ER doc could not figure out what was causing it and it wasn’t until I got home and checked the long-form drug facts sheet that comes with many meds. Buried in the fine print was a contraindication with lithium.
I cut back on the amount of Lithium Orotate I was using to 1 or 2 tablets per day and problem solved.
I didn’t come across anything about serotonin. And in fact, if you check under “Lithium to the rescue” you’ll find this: “Depression – lithium helps with treatment-resistant depression. In fact, lithium has been shown to improve the effectiveness of antidepressant medications”.
But according to drugs.com this is why you cannot use Lithium Orotate with escitalopram: https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/escitalopram-with-lithium-1013-0-1477-0.html
Thanks, David, very kind.
The long QT syndrome – I’ve actually already been tested for long QT interval years ago, when there was some ado about citalopram and other SSRIs.
And though maybe the form of lithium doesn’t make any difference (sometimes it does of course, with other molecules), the amounts of lithium carbonate that people are prescribed are far higher than what we orotate takers would ingest.
Still, your story is pretty frightening. You must have had two awful days. And chronic pain, apparently, before that? Would you say you have overcome it with nootropics?
I will keep such possible interactions in mind, though. And stick to 5 or 10 mg EL.
Thank you for your articles – you’ve put me on to Lithium Orotate. Together with SAMe and the darn citalopram (wish I could go off it), who knows, I may just get through the winter.
Charlotte, some nootropics certainly help deal with chronic pain. Anything that works as an antioxidant or anti-inflammatory helps. But certain conditions like problems with the spine often can only be helped with surgery and physical therapy.
David, is it necessary to increase the lithium dose by forming habits? Another question is can I take it without interruption or should I go for a while without taking it and then taking it again? thank you for the informations.
Paulini, I do not understand your question about ‘forming habits’. But yes, you can use Lithium Orotate as needed.
David, I am 2 months into nootropics. Basically I have this lithium salt, racetams, amino acids, adaptogens, sulbutiamine, vinpocetine… No diagnosis. I am just am empath. Can I take this lithium salt with phenylalanine, cloruracetam, tianeptine sulfate. What can I stack it with? Similar and complementary nootropics?
Ray
Ray, not sure what you mean by “lithium salt”. Because lithium carbonate or lithium chloride salts are typically prescribed for long-term control of bipolar disorder and come with a host of side effects.
If you mean Lithium Orotate you’re talking about a completely different thing. Did you take the time to read this review from top to bottom? This supplement provides 5 mg of elemental lithium. It doesn’t even show up on blood tests.
But here’s the thing … Lithium Orotate should not be used if you are dealing with significant renal or cardiovascular disease, severe dehydration or sodium depletion, or if you’re taking diuretics or ACE inhibitors.
Do not use Lithium Orotate if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
If none of those apply to you then you should be able to stack it with the rest of the nootropics you are using. As long as you follow dosage recommendations.
Lithium Orotate has no “complementary nootropics”. It’s an alkali metal and is one of the minerals your body needs.
Hi David, I just had my serum level of lithium checked this past week and my results demonstrated that am deficient. My lithium levels came back <.03 mmol/L, on a reference range of .06-1.2 mmol/L. I purchased lithium orotate yesterday, 5mg per dosage. I want to take the lithium at 3 times a day and then retest my levels in a month. Since I am deficient should I go at a higher dosage or start with 5mg, 3x daily and then determine after the retest on whether I should increase the dosage. My serotonin level was also deficient, which I read is related to lithium levels. Any comments are appreciated.
Eddie, you can use higher doses of Lithium Orotate but it depends on other supplements and meds you are using if that’s wise. I’d keep the dose to max. 10 mg up to 3-times per day and see how that works.
And the easiest way to boost serotonin is with 500 mg L-Tryptophan before bed.
Thanks David. I appreciate it. Once I get my lithium up I want to start taking the B12 supplementation based on my genetic report recommendation. Then I’ll check my folate and then add that if needed. I will retest my lithium in about 5 weeks and update. Great website!
Eddie
PS: How long do you think it will take to balance my lithium? I am shooting for 0.8 mmol/L.
Eddie, I don’t think there is any accurate way to predict how long it’ll take to get your Lithium levels optimal. It depends on your biology, genes, diet, and other stuff we aren’t even aware of I’m sure. So be patient and stick with your plan. You’ll get there.
Thanks David, I appreciated your input. Take care.
Eddie
Hi David
My 35 yr old son has been diagnosed with Bipolar 1disorder. He is taking lithium carbonate 600mg twice a day. A nutritionist recommended that he add 10 5mg pills of lithium oratate a day. Is this a safe dosage with his rx lithium? And if so shoukd he take the 10 all at once?
Donna, 10 x 5 mg Lithium Orotate is only 50 mg of elemental lithium. Compared to 600 mg lithium carbonate. It’s like comparing apples to oranges in one sense because these two types of lithium seem to work differently. With Lithium Orotate even at higher doses not being toxic.
In your case I need to defer to your nutritionist who is more qualified than I to determine the best Lithium Orotate dosage. But if 10 tablets makes you uncomfortable then start out with 5 and see how he feels.
David, you’re wrong on this by comparing 50mg elemental lithium with 600mg lithium carbonate. 600mg lithium carbonate is roughly 112mg of elemental lithium and rest carbonate. (18.8% of 600mg lithium carbonate). 10 x 5mg is a lot of elemental lithium without blood testing.
Jay, I’ve been known to be wrong before. But in this case I think you misinterpreted what I was saying. I never mentioned the amount of elemental zinc in lithium carbonate which is a prescription drug. Only that some have had success using Lithium Orotate instead and which can be bought over the counter.
Someone being treated for bipolar disorder or mania may need higher doses of Lithium Orotate than what is recommended for nootropic use. Which is 5 mg 2 or 3-times per day. Higher doses for treating a disorder should be done in cooperation with a doctor and certainly with regular labs done.
Oh sorry. It looked like you were comparing the 50mg to the 600mg. I have a diagnosis for bipolar although not sure it’s right but I respond well to quetiapine. I also really like CBD. May I ask you David while you’re on, what would you recommend for struggling to concentrate on a task due to nagging thoughts? Then I have to move onto something else as a result. Thanks!
Jay, see this post for ideas on focus and concentration: https://nootropicsexpert.com/how-to-improve-memory-and-concentration/
As for “nagging thoughts” the only thing I’ve found to be effective (in addition to the nootropics) I use is meditation. There’s only so much we can do with supplements. After that I takes discipline and commitment to get a grip on how our mind works. And likes to get out of control.
Hi everybody,
I would like to report my experience here. I am a 48yo male. Since I know myself I have always suffered from racing mind, anger and moodiness.
Last week, by chance, I started reading about lithium orotate and after a few weeks I decided to buy it and give it a try.
Now, all I can think of is…why haven’t I found out about this mineral before? After taking the very first pill, within a couple of hours all of the above mentioned issues disappeared. I am still trying to determine if it is a kind of placebo effect or not, but maybe I dare hope that something good is at work in my body, namely lithium orotate.
This supplement is weird because it is not like taking a sleeping pill. You know if a sleeping pill is working because you feel sleepy. With this supplement instead you have to pay extra attention to your mind and mood and see and understand if the supplment works for you.
I take a 5mg pill before going to bed but now I am thinking to take it in the morning because it gives me slight insomina (which is funny because from what I have read it should work the other way around and make you sleepy!).
The first day I took it, it also gave me a minor headache. The second day this symptom didnt show up.
I am feeling extremely well. No anger so far, no swing mood. No sweating (when I used to be in anger mode I used to sweat sometimes) and above all, really, seriously, I have stopped overthinking (racing mind).
Now my life belong to me and not to my useless thoughts that kept me busy thinking about stupid things that happened 10 years ago or fantasizing about things that never happened!
This welness brings me tears in my eyes because it makes me think: “How much of my life has been stolen by my issues.” Over thinking, racing mind used to steal hours from my days and were also eroding and mining my family relationships…..
I have a couple of questions though, and I hope to get a reply here:
1) Does this supplement build up over time? I mean, after, let’s say, a month, do I have to stop taking it to let my body getting rid of the extra amount that builded up in it, or I can gon on taking it every day???
2) I am on 5 mg pill. Should I try to take another pill as a try or not?
Thanks and…. peace
Frank, thanks for sharing your experience with this amazing nootropic supplement that most people don’t know about. Lithium Orotate comes with a standard 5 mg elemental lithium. You will not find a supplement with a higher amount of elemental lithium. The next step up is lithium carbonate dosed at 800 – 900 mg lithium for treating things like bipolar disorder.
This mineral is essential for human and animal health. You can take 2 – 3 doses daily forever without any issues. I’ve been using it daily for a couple of years since I discovered it and it keeps on working.
Hi David, you suggest dosing with 5mg lithium orotate, but suggest a supplement that’s 120mg lithium orotate with 5mg of bioavailable lithium, so, I am confused. Are you saying “use the 120mg lithium orotate pill to get 5mg lithium” or that we should instead take 1/60th of the dose of the pill?
Robert, Lithium Orotate tablets and capsules all supply about 5 mg elemental lithium. But have you ever actually measured 5 mg and seen the size of it? Oratic acid seems to radically boost the bioavailability of lithium and also makes a good filler so it can be delivered in capsule or tablet form.
Hi David, thanks for the reply. I re-read the article, slower on the second time, and noticed that when you reference 5mg, you mean the lithium content, and when you reference 120mg or more, you are talking about the amount of the compound, lithium orotate.
Thanks again. I just started last night, took third a pill (gel cap, two thirds emptied by me), almost 2/3 a pill this morning, and will continue with a full 5mg pill tomorrow.
LAST QUESTIONS:
Do you suggest or prefer upon waking or before bed? Would it be helpful with sleep? (I also take 1-3mg melatonin, and 1/3 dose magnesium threonate before bed).
Robert, some take Lithium Orotate “as needed” like if they feel a mood swing coming on. And others take it 2 or 3 times per day (i.e. morning, noon and evening). The dose is so low that it really doesn’t matter when you take it because your body and brain need lithium.
3 mg of melatonin is like far too much. The human brain only uses 0.5 – 0.8 mg at night. Any more can be bad news. But it depends on you respond to melatonin.
Magnesium should be 400 mg before bed.
Thanks again! I’m almost spot on, on the magnesium (425 seems to be what I could find for threonate). I’d been doing 1mg melatonin (sublingually), and just increased. I will drop that back down.
Thank you for such an informative site. My son is taking 5 mg Amlodipine. I read your referral to drugs.com regarding combining lithium orotate with Amlodipine but of course that is in reference to prescription lithium. My son has been taking lith orotate for several years and he feels better with it. He only recently – 2 weeks ago – began with the blood pressure med. He wants to keep taking lith orotate. I don’t know how to evaluate his taking lith orotate with the amlodipine since drugs. com is referring to the prescription lithium. I’ve read all you have written about how lith orotate doesn’t even show up on a blood test. Just wondering if my son can resume taking the lith orotate with the bp med. Thanks
Cheryl, I’m not aware of any contraindication with Lithium Orotate and blood pressure meds.
Thanks David. 🙂
Hi David- in the video you said not to take if you are on ACE inhibitors. My husband is on 20 mg of Benazepril, which is a blood pressure med, and also an ACE inhibitor. But, in this comment you say you no of no interactions with blood pressure meds. Any advice? Thank you! 🙂
David, my husband is also on Depakote in addition to the Benazepril. We are wanting to start the Lithium ASAP due to a severe episode he experienced this week with depression. I have it on order and it is due to arrive tomorrow. Any advice/ recommendations you can give concerning these meds would be so appreciative. The website for medicine interactions does not recognize Lithium Orotate. I called a pharmacist and she had no idea you could get any form of Lithium over the counter and actually seemed horrified at the idea. I’m thinking we may run into this with most conventional doctors, and also time is of the element. We do plan on letting his physicians know that he is taking it, but not sure they will have a lot of understanding about it. THANK YOU so very much! This is something that is giving us hope!
Robyn, this is the drug interaction checker I prefer to use that’s run by a couple of pharmacists in New Zealand: https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html.
Look up each drug and the complete list of associated interactions. If it lists “lithium” it also applies to Lithium Orotate.
Most of the time they are referring to things like Lithium Carbonate and others which are prescribed in much higher doses (i.e. 800 mg). But it still applies in some cases.
For example, my pain doc put me on another long-acting med a few months ago. And I didn’t bother to closely look at the sheet that came with it. You know the longgggg sheet of really small print?
I ended up in the ER with severe muscle spasms from head to toe. Just like I experienced a year ago when I ended up in the ER with sepsis. But without the 106-degree temp.
All the labs came up negative. The ER doc was convinced I was hyperthyroid. I’m not. I’m hypothyroid. So that wasn’t it. It wasn’t until I got home and decided to read that long, small print sheet. And it said the combo of that drug and lithium can cause “muscle spasms”.
I’m telling you this long story because if I’d only used 1 or 2 Lithium Orotate tablets per day I likely would not have went through that experience. I was using 5 – 6 tablets per day. But even 6 tablets is only 30 mg of elemental lithium. And not 800 mg. But with this drug it made a difference.
So my advice is check the drug interaction checker. Then decide if you want to try Lithium Orotate. If you do, start with 1 tablet first and see if there is any side effects. I am NOT recommending using Lithium Orotate because I’m not qualified and it wouldn’t be fair to you. But if you do anyway this is the least risky approach.
55 mg of elemental lithium
Nadine, it is unlikely that more Lithium Orotate will work if 55 mg lithium is not so far. Does Zyprexa help at all? Have you considered CBD Oil? https://nootropicsexpert.com/cbd-oil/
zyprexa helps a little. it takes 25mg of CBD; I’ll increase it and see if it works.
Bonjour
mon mari bipolaire de type 1 prend du zyprexa(5 mg).il prend depuis 2 mois 55 mg de lithium éléméntaire sous forme d’orotate, mais il a fait quand même un accés maniaque. Est ce que cela veut dire que le lithium doit être augmenté?
merci
Nadine, sorry but I only speak English. Translate please and maybe I can help.
my bipolar husband type 1 takes zyprexa (5 mg). He’s been taking 55 milligrams of lithium as orotate for the last two months, but he still has a manic seizure. Does that mean that lithium should be increased?
thank you
I have been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, I am not taking medicines anymore, I am taking only natural suplements. However, I still feel much anxiety and depression and a significant lack of motivation for my daily life. Do you think that lithium orotate could be useful for me? Thank you
Carlos, I would think Lithium Orotate would be a great option for you.
Hi I ordered the exact lithium orotate you recommended from Amazon. I’m taking HTN blood pressure pills daily including a non-common diuretic named Indapamide. I plan to take the lithium even though you advise against it. What is the potential issue with diuretic like Indapamide? What should I watch out for symptom-wise?
Can you give a reference that explains your warning on diuretics and lithium orotate?
Please:: I start tomorrow!
James, taking lithium with some “water pills” can increase the amount of lithium in your body. This can possibly cause serious side effects. I suggest using something like this checker to find out more: https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html
Thanks for your reply. I went to that site it gave a pretty standard warning ::
Ask your doctor before using indapamideand lithium. Using indapamide together with lithium can increase the effects of lithium. This may cause diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, tremor, thirst, increased urination, lack of coordination, or muscle weakness.
=============
That’s just CYA talk — these docs are using me as a GuineaPig anyways with 3 HTN pills.
That site isn’t taking into account the micro dose of Lithium orotate that I’m now taking, even 3 pills a day, versus the mega dose they give of lithium carbonate or whatever the other is. I will use myself as my own Guinea pig and watch for adverse symptoms.
But, one thing I would still like to know :: is there a blood test the I can request my doc to order next time they draw to measure abnormal “amount of lithium” in my body?
If so, what’s it named — how do I request it?
If I ask my doc about ANY supplement they all just say “stop it, why are you taking it”. They don’t know crap, or: it’s all a crapshoot.
James, you just ask for “lithium” to be included in your next labs. If the doc has any questions maybe you could ‘bury it’ and request a few other minerals and vitamins while you’re at it.
Hey David. I read this and it enlightened me on the potential benefits of this stuff. I have heard of this before, but now is when I am riddled with anxiety and some depression that is more burdensome and would be a potential candidate.
What worries me is (anxiety-driven) that this will have some seriously negative effect on me. I take zero prescription meds currently and nearly no supplements other than maybe vitamins and sometimes teas and homeopathic stress/anxiety supplements OTC.
Would it be okay for me to give this a test run? Not expecting magic, but maybe some slight changes. I know there is likely no doctor here and can’t do much beyond a screen/text, but in general, should this be a cause for concern in my case — or am I just being anxious over nothing with fear/worry of using or micro dosing this for a short time period?
Appreciate any answers/insight! And nice article.
Angel, Lithium Orotate is one of the safest supplements you can try. My wife is so sensitive that she has problems using nearly everything that I review on Nootropics Expert. But she loves Lithium Orotate.
As far as I know, I am basically healthy, but I have very, very bad anxiety…and low vitamin D. I am taking a few liquid herbal tonics just to build myself up because I have been thru some major stresses in the past year or so…. (the tonics are from a master herbalist, she is someone very knowledgeable about herbs) but I want your opinion on whether or not there are any herbs that should not be taken with lithium orotate? And I am also on xanax, are they safe with the lithium orotate? Thank you..
Hannah, Lithium Orotate provides such low dose of lithium that it’s not contraindicated with anything as far as I know.
David, on lithium, does he form habits over time, needing to take more and more? I already did some tests with amino acids and it ended up happening … how is lithium the same?
thank you!
Sandro, lihtium is a mineral needed by your body and brain. Amino acids are a completely different thing. The question you are asking would take a book to respond accurately. I suggest you check out this post for how your body uses minerals: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-minerals-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/. And look up the meaning of “amino acid” for at least a little bit better understanding.
Dear Mr Tomen,
Thanks to God for people like you who help others. My 26 year old daughter may have ADD; ever since age 15, she had been a prodigal. It was very difficult for my late wife and me. She has anger issues, is moody, often tired, has difficulty sleeping. She’s very bright and works hard at two low level jobs. She realizes the benefits of college but won’t apply. Do you think lithium is a good supplement to start with? I gave her a 5.0 mg one which initially helped but she felt some side effects. Recently, I found one with 1.25 mg. May God bless you.
Ernest, Lithium Orotate is great for calming mood issues. But for motivation and energy, her ADD issues must be addressed. Please read through this post for more ideas: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
Thanks for the article. Have you come across anything that would explain why every time I take lithium orotate, it make me irritable?
Terri, it could be an underlying health condition you are not aware of such as renal or cardiovascular disease, severe dehydration or sodium depletion, or if you’re taking diuretics or ACE inhibitors.
It also chelates aluminum so it could be toxicity from detoxing.
Those are the only things I can think of with the information I have available.
LO chelates aluminum? Interesting information, does it also chelate other heavy metals or anything else? I’m pretty sure I have a fair amount of heavy metals in my system so can LO have a negative effect by chelating these substances? I’m currently taking LO and can’t tell if I am getting the results I want. Thanks.
Daniel, as far as I know Lithium Orotate only chelates aluminum and not other heavy metals. But there are other nootropics that work on chelating other metals. I’d do a search for “chelates” and “heavy metals” and see what else turns up. But know that when you start using a strong chelator it may not feel so good. Until you get all that junk out of your system. In some cased it can make you feel really sick.
I’ve noticed Lithium Orotate works within 10 minutes to tamp down irritability and rage. It’s great for road rage.
great article. How do you know how much lithium oretate to take and how do you measure the dose to know what is adequate?
Vivian, Lithium Orotate can be used 3-times per day or as needed. And dosage depends on the supplement. Most Lithium Orotate tablets or capsules contain 5 mg of elemental lithium.
Hi David,
One month ago I started my adhd very moody 13 year old boy on 1/4 dropper 1x day liquid Lithium Orotate 30ml. I tried this because a recent issue in his adhd meds failed to resolve the focus issues they observed. The stunning results were instant. the hyperactive component of his adhd is 100% gone. I actually lowered his adhd meds and his grades are actually better with teachers reporting that he has “suddenly matured” and is better focused and maintains self control. 360 turnaround.
Q: his twin struggles with the add more so than the hyper component. I have had to increase his meds and I still see him struggling cognitively amongst his peers. It is causing self esteem issues. From what I have read about low dose lithium, it appears that this supplement could also help twin B with his add? I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks!
Carol, Lithium Orotate may help but then again it may not. It entirely depends on the individual brain, how it’s wired, levels of neurotransmitters, etc.
Have you seen my post on ADD/ADHD and nootropics here? https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
Hi David, I am currently on 5mg of Lexapro, 1mg of Knolopin per day and 100mg of Lamictal and find little to no relief. I do have severe mood swings and have heard much about Lithium Orotate and purchased the brand from Advanced Research since it was the one recommended to me. But before i begin to take it I would like to ask you do you think it is safe to take it with the current meds I am on? I mean I am not on high doses. My other question is i saw you had recommended healing of the receptors to another person who had commented above after using Aderall for many years. I abused Vicodin and other opiods for approximately 3-4 years and i could imagine i may have some brain damage there in the dopamine receptors and whatever else. Not to mention I now have Lyme and its in my brain. Ive been suffering tremendously with mood swings, panic, anxiety, depression, and been diagnosed with Bi-polar, Anxiety Disorder and PTSD but i believe its a combination of LYME brain and trauma. Please help with any recommendations. Thank you, Blessings
Joshua, Lithium Orotate may help some and I’m not aware of any contraindications with the meds you are taking. But please do the research yourself to be sure. The dosage of elemental Lithium in this supplement is so low it doesn’t even show up in lab tests. But is certainly is effective.
You have too many things going on for me to respond here. I suggest scrolling through and reading some of the posts I’ve researched and written here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/category/guides/
If you need more help, do offer personal consultations that many have found very helpful. More about that here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/personal-consultations/
What is the best time to take Lithium Orotate?
Thiago, you can take Lithium Orotate any time of the day. I find it particularly effective when use “as needed”. It tames irritability within 15 minutes of taking it.
Greetings David,
Your site and YouTube channel are a great resource. Keep up the good work.
I have a question regarding Lithium Orotate. I took it twice, in the 5mg dosage. The first time I had a minor headache. Which I presumed to be normal due to it being the first time taking and my brain wasn’t used to it. The second time I had a headache that grew in intensity from when I took the dose at noon until I went to sleep that night, it was nearly migraine levels and the ‘hangover’ lasted another two days. I have not taken Lithium since.
Does this indicate a deficiency in some neurotransmitter or vitamin/mineral? Or is the dose simply too high for me?
Thank you.
RM, the only side effects I’m aware of are in the “Side Effects” section of this review. Please review that section and see if there is something you may be dealing with that you were not aware of.
Hi. I am considering trying lithium orotate, but I’m concerned about mentions that orotic acid might be mutagenic and carcinogenic. It’s in the Wikipedia article for orotic acid, and Googling “orotic acid cancer” shows a bunch of articles about it. I’m not sure how significant this is, but I think it would really help if it was addressed in your article.
By the way, thanks for your work! Your site is very helpful to me.
Nick, this comes up now and again. Here we’re talking about “orotate” which is naturally release from your mitochondria, and is use for the synthesis of uridine in your body. It’s not cancerous nor does it cause cancer according to my research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27906623
Hello Mr. Tomen. My adult son is on a cocktail of 20mg prozac, 300mg lithium carbonate, 25mg topomax, 1.5mg ativan, 1mg risperdal. He sufffers from depression, OCD and racing mind. We would like to try the 5 mg lithium orotate. Is it safe to add it to this cocktail. The depression is marginal but the OCD and racing thoughts need much help. Thank you for your input.
Maria, Lithium Orotate is well tolerated in most situations. I’m not a doctor so please keep that in mind. But as a ‘layman’ I don’t seen any contraindications with the stack of meds you are referring to.
Mr. Tomen, I’ve recently started taking the Performance Lab sleep formula at night which contains 250 mgs of L-Tryptophan. Do you feel that taking 120 mgs of Lithium Orotate in the a.m. would be safe or too much of a risk of causing Seratonin issues?
Dan, I don’t think you’ll have a problem. I use PL Sleep at night and Lithium Orotate in the morning and it works great. Nothing here will directly boost serotonin so much that you’d get into trouble.
Please comment on how much L-tryptophan can be safely taken with Lithium Orotate.
Ken, follow the dosage recommendations for L-Tryptophan here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/tryptophan/#dosage-notes.
Lithium Orotate doesn’t have any direct impact on your serotonin pathways. So shouldn’t influence your dosage of L-Tryptophan.
Hey David I have bi polar and started taking 30 mg of lithium orotate. What do you think about this?
Angelina, it should help stabilize your mood.
Really appreciate you getting back to me. Yeah I have a bad case of bi polar type 2 and going through hypomania so the lithium orotate has helped immensely. I mean I take 30mg and wondering if going any higher than this is ok? As high as 40mg? Also I started taking a thyroid management vitamin complex with it. Again thanks for the quick response.
Angelina, 40 mg shouldn’t be a problem. Just don’t raise your dosage to high.
Love it. I’ve been sharing this info with family and friends. It’s a blessing. Thank you.
David, I’ve been taking 10 mg of over the counter melatonin
every night and my 5 mg lithium orotate every morning. I also take 4.5 g MSM in the morning. Any problems with this combination. Thank you so much for you kindness and concern for all of us.
Rene, there’s no problem with that combination of supplements. How is it working for you?
I would like a hard copy of your book Head First, not a digital copy-it hurts me to be on any digital devices. Please let me know how I can get this. Thank you!
Alexis, Head First is only available in digital form so far. I’m hoping to offer it in paperback later this year. But it’s going to take awhile.
I like hard copies, too, because I can use a highlighter and flip through the book when I want a refresher. On the other hand, you can add highlights to a digital document, but I just spend too much time looking at a computer screen.
Alexis, you could print out the PDF version of the book, though it will take a ream of paper and lots of toner!
Can you take this in conjunction with Mind Lab Pro? Is it safe?
Absolutely. Lithium Orotate is one of the safest nootropic supplements available. I use it daily along with Mind Lab Pro.
I’m feeling a bit uneasy about Lithium Orotate. I don’t really know why. Maybe it’s because it’s not really documented much in the mainstream literature.
Could you please reassure me it’s safety and possibly your experience with it?
Charlie, lithium has a bad reputation in general because it has been used for decades in high doses to treat psychiatric problems. Lithium Orotate provides 5 mg of elemental lithium vs 900 mg of prescription lithium.
I love this nootropic because it helps level out mood swings. Side effects are nearly non-existent when using recommended doses. The dose is so low it doesn’t even show up in lab tests.
Hi David, first arrived to your site now and would like to ask if you have recommendation for a multi mineral supplement that also has lithium?
I get confused with all the different options around and if they actually work.
Perhaps you know something?
Kevin, see my post on 12 minerals essential for the brain here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-minerals-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/
I’m not aware of any quality multi-mineral supplement that includes Lithium Orotate.
Is lithium aspartate as good as lithium orotate?
I doubt it. All of the research I could find referenced Lithium Orotate.
My nutrition label says amount per serving is 120mg, with a parenthesis that says (4.6mg elemental lithium).
So when you say 5mg dose…I am presuming we are looking at the one in parenthesis to compare right? If so, what is the 120mg referring to exactly?
Oh! And do I take it with/before/after meal?
Jay, the rest of the tablet or capsule should be orotic acid (orotate) unless the manufacturer has included other ingredient. Check the label please. And you can take Lithium Orotate at any time.
Thank you for writing such a wonderful article. I started taking Lithium Orotate only a week and a half ago, for chronic insomnia. Due to years of stressful situations. I would seriously only sleep about 5-6 hours a MONTH, for the last 6 months. It has saved my life…….. Tried 3 sleeping pills from medical doctors, spent over $2500 trying to get to sleep. Sleeping pills were worse than the insomnia. Horrible, horrible side effects. And an $11 bottle of Advanced Research Lithium Orotate is turning this devastating issue around. Amazing, amazing results. I feel happy again, really happy. Like I used to be years ago….. I am so grateful…………..
Thanks for that post. Can I ask how many milligrams you had to take to relieve the insomnia?
Thank you.
Lithium Orotate is usually dosed at 5 mg 2 or 3-times per day. And while it can help calm you it’s not used for insomnia.
Hi David, I currently am taking magnesium glycinate for muscle cramping issues and for anxiety I take magnesium L-threonate (magtein). the Mag l-threonate has helped a lot! I have been advised to also give Lithium Orotate a try. Can I take this magnesium and lithium orotate at the same time of day or together at all? will it affect one or the other? I was only planning a low dose, one 120mg cap (5mg of lithium I think) a day. Also, what is the best time of day to take the dose of Lithium?
JR, I use both every day with no issues. Lithium Orotate only has 5 mg of elemental lithium per tablet. The dose is so low it doesn’t even show up on lab tests. But it works.
I find that taking magnesium about 90 minutes before bed helps me sleep. And lithium can be taken at any time during the day.
Also I forgot to mention, I’ve just bought ACS 200 cellular silver and ACZ nano cellular zeolite by RNA Results to Chelate the heavy metals. Being a positively charged silver and nano zeolite, I’m hoping this won’t interfer with taking lithium orotate? Tricky I know. These products are amazing but I need my mental clarity as well. Thanks in advance
I haven’t done any research on silver or zeolite. If you have please share what you’ve found out and your experience with them.
Hi, I accidentally poisoned myself with an old atomic coffee machine and hair analysis shows extreme aluminium and lead levels..i thought I was going to die, insomnia, dizzy, severe brain fog, spinal tingling, hands tingling and close to feel like lights out. I did IV edta chelation (2.5yrs ago 2x) which stripped my iron levels leaving me anemic as a ghost. Created ectopic heartbeats which I’ve since healed the ectopics with ascorbic acid (marvellous) which has helped restore iron. My latest hair analysis a month ago showed minor reduction in aluminium and hardly any lead. The side effects were life threatening to me, bed ridden and slept constantly for 1.5years. no doctor can help except synthetic chelation tablets which scare me..on my latest analysis I noticed my lithium levels beyond low off the chart so did a blood test last week to check. I am depleted in lithium to a point where my behaviour and depression makes sense now. I thought the depression was just being so sick/poisoned it was making me unhappy, but it’s getting to boiling point. I’m irrational, etc etc feel like I’m going insane. I read somewhere on your site or another that lithium chelates aluminium? I bought a bottle today but again scared how much this will disrupt the aluminium and how full on the effects might be..can you advise or shed any light? I would be eternally grateful..
Sarra, Lithium Orotate tablets or capsules typically only contain 5 mg of elemental lithium. So try one tablet and see how you feel. You’ve been through detox so you know what it feels like. If you increase your lithium dosage and start getting detox symptoms you cannot comfortably handle then back off a bit.
I seem to recall a couple of other nootropics here on Nootropics Expert that help with heavy metal chelation. Use the search function top right for “chelation” and “detox” and each of the heavy metals you still need to get rid of – and see what turns up. Iodine may be one of them.
I take Amlodipine (for high BP) and Hydroclorithiazie (water pill) in the am everyday. Before I went on these I bought a bottle of the Lithium Orotate 5mg….would it be alright if I took the Lithium Orotate in the later PM? I have had depression all my life, now in my 60’s. The doctors gave me antidepressants all the time which always gave me side effects. My new doctor gave me a scrip for Bupropion which I will Not take either! Please reply with any info that may help me? Thank You David!
Jerry, it may be a problem combining Lithium with Amlodipine according to this: https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/amlodipine-with-lithium-172-0-1477-0.html?professional=1.
You may want to check with your doctor. Or track down a good naturopath who can advise you.
For more on depression, please see this post > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-depression/
Dear David:
Thank you very much for your time and dedication. I have a question on lithium orotate. I am currently taking 2 or 3 doses of 5 mg a day and it’s working great for my anxiety, tension and irritability. My negative thoughts have almost disappeared. The problem is that it’s also giving me erectyle disfunction…
Any tips or suggestions here?
Felix, ED never came up during my research on Lithium Orotate. Likely because it is such a small dose of lithium. So it comes as a surprise that Lithium Orotate had this effect on you. There are plenty of studies showing that male patients with bipolar being treating with much higher doses of lithium experienced ED. It seems that lithium prevents relaxation of the corpus cavernosum (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18374915/).
I use Lithium Orotate daily and do not have this issue. But I also supplement with 6,000 mg of L-Arginine daily as well. Turns out that in clinical studies L-Arginine reversed this side effect in men having this problem (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4869162/). You may want to try supplementing with L-Arginine and see if that helps. It’s perfectly safe to use daily and there is no tolerance.
Thanks David for your reply… 6,000 mg of L-Arginine is 6 grams, like 12 500 mg capsules of it. do you take them all at once or throughout the day?
Thanks again brother!
Felix, I buy bulk powder and make my own 1,000 mg capsules. Sometimes I take them all at once. And sometimes divide it into two doses. 1,000 mg of L-Carnitine also helps because it inhibits the enzyme the degrades nitric oxide production. So I use 6,000 mg of L-Arginine and 1,000 mg of L-Carnitine.
Awesome work David!
I have a family member who recently had a hyper-manic episode and was diagnosed as bipolar. They currently are taking zyprexa but they really don’t like it. Do you think LO would help them and would it interact with the Zyprexa.
Bernard, Lithium Orotate may interact with Zyprexa (Olanzapine) but the doses of elemental lithium in a Lithium Orotate tablet or capsule are so low (i.e. 5 mg) that it may not be an issue. The do have some similarity in their mechanism of action in the brain.
A great resource for checking drugs interaction with other meds and supplements is here > https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html
You may find other good options for bipolar disorder here on Nootropics Expert. Use the search function top right for “bipolar” and see what turns up.
Dear sir,
I have tryed litium orotate.I also use vit e,b,k,d,c,and I use wild yam,5htp,dhea,athrroid supplement and spirulina.I started to have chest pains during my second or third day.is this because of my combination of supplements?
Jessica, I was likely because of at least one supplement. 5-HTP in particular is a potent supplement and I recommend avoiding it. And choosing something else to boost serotonin.
What versions of Vitamin E, B-Vitamins and Vitamin C are you using? If any of them are synthetic they could be causing problems.
Hi David very informative as usual do you know anything about NSI-189?
Dan, I have not researched NSI-189 but it works by promoting neurogenesis as I recall. We have several other nootropics that also promote neurogenesis. And I would be using those before trying an experimental drug. Seems safer to me.
Thanks for your reply David, I have been on Wellbutrin and NAC am still having anhedonia along with brain fog.What do you recommend?
Dan, Wellbutrin is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). And it’s an antagonist of acetylcholine receptors. And it negatively affects serotonin receptors. If you are still using Wellbutrin it means your brain (esp.. in the prefrontal cortex) is releasing more dopamine and norepinephrine. More acetylcholine should be available. But it sounds like you do not have access to as much serotonin as you should.
There are all guesses because that’s the way Wellbutrin is supposed to work. But no guarantees that is exactly what it is doing or has done in your brain. Once you start messing with the balance of neurotransmitters …
You may want to try Lion’s Mane to help repair some of the receptor damage (https://nootropicsexpert.com/lions-mane/). And take a look at Phenylpiracetam for brain fog (https://nootropicsexpert.com/phenylpiracetam/).
But whatever you try please follow dosage instructions to a “T”. I also suggest you use the search function top right for “brain fog” and see what turns up.
I have the lithium orotate.I am confused when you say 5mg and on the bottle it says 120mg.please email me asap so I can start taking the right dosage for me.thanks
Thelma, the supplement is “lithium” + “orotate”. 120 mg typically contains 5 mg of “elemental” lithium. Which means a 120 mg tablet or capsule will supply 5 mg of lithium.
Why is it that I see 5mg tables of LO that say that they contain 5mg of Lithium and then 120mg tables that say the same? For example, a very well-respected brand is Pure Encapsulations which is 5mg of Lithium “as Lithium Orotate” Very confused…
Brain, because if you measured 5 mg on a small scale you’d see how tiny the amount is. The rest is to fill the capsule and pad out the tablet.
HI David,
I have a general question and would appreciate tapping into your extensive knowledge. I will do my own research as well but want to know if I can even use nootropics at all.
I take 450 mg Wellbutrin, 20 mg Lexepro, and 8 mg Subutex (for pain). I have had depression most of my life and also have Fibromyalgia. I would like to try taking Mind Lab Pro to increase my motivation. I also have social anxiety which is a secondary but less important issue.
1. Do you know if there are any drug interactions with what I’m taking?
2. If not, what should I add to it to increase motivation? 3. Is there anything I should add to help with my social anxiety?
I would appreciate any input. I can’t continue to live my life the way I am… I am totally unmotivated and feel like I’m just waiting to die. Please help.
Taylor, the first thing you need to do is learn exactly what each of the drugs you are using does in your brain. I’ve found a good place to start is Wikipedia. Learn as much as you can about each. Especially the section called “mechanism of action”.
Then learn as much as you can about each nootropic you are considering. Again, learn about their “mechanism of action” in your brain.
Then ask yourself what would happen if you combined a drug with a nootropic that does exactly or similar things in your brain. What would be the consequences? For example, if the drug increases dopamine and the nootropic increases dopamine too … what does too much dopamine mean? And how can it harm you?
A good place to start with drug interactions is here > https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html
I’ve also written posts on increasing motivation and decreasing social anxiety. You can find those posts in the list here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/blog/
I’ve been where you are right now. So I get it. But help is available starting right here. It will take dedication and a time commitment on your part. And it is a steep learning curve. Stick with it and you will get better. I know … I did.
Lithium Orotate is not listed on drug interactions website. I have the same question about wellbutrin and you didn’t clarify anything.
Dom, You’re not likely to find “lithium orotate” on the drug interaction website. You may find “lithium” + some other version like carbonate. Are you asking about interactions between lithium and Wellbutrin?
Hi David, just had a question about some drug interactions with lithium orotate. I’m taking 10 mg abilify, 300mg lamotrigine, and 75mg synthroid. I have bipolar 2 disorder and am considering supplementing with low dose lithium. My psyciatrist has already cleared me for the use of lithium orotate which is good. The only thing is that he wants to wait and see if increasing my lamotrigine from 250 to 300mg will help my mood; I cycle a lot and its very frustrating. I am going to start taking lithium orotate if this med increase does not work. Are there any neggative drug interactions that you are aware of with these medications that I am on.
Matthew, there are no drug interactions that I know of with the meds you are using and Lithium Orotate. Primarily, because the lithium dose is so low. But please don’t take my work for it. I’ve found a great place to check for drug interaction here > https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html (Check for “lithium” but not “lithium orotate”).
If you decide to try Lithium Orotate I suggest you follow the dosage instructions in this review including using 1,000 mg of a high quality Omega-3 and 400 UI of Vitamin E (as mixed tocopherols). Please do not use the “dl” synthetic version of Vitamin E.
You may find it works even better by supplementing with folate and Vitamin B12 as well. Because lithium enhances the transport of Vitamin B12 and folate into brain cells. Which affects mood and aggression. But it can’t transport these vitamins into brain cells if there is not enough of each available.
Does LO Can help you or an aid to taper or withdrawing Rivotril (Clonazepam) another Benzo, i just take it for just 5 weeks, i dont like taking synthetic psych drugs, so i consult another psychiatrist. He gave me an anti-depressants/anti-anxiety drugs that he saids i needed to help me taper and gradually lower my dosages. I dont have any depression but anxiety i know, this makes me so confused. He said that “Jovia” That medicines is not habit forming, i can stop it anytime if i want it too. Is it true? Though its not a benzo drugs, but an anti depressants/anti anxiety. Pls i need help
Ron, it depends on what definition you are using for “habit forming”. Detoxing from benzos and antidepressants is worse than detoxing from opiates. And one of the reasons people stay on them. Because they fear the withdrawal symptoms.
Lithium Orotate can help boost the effectiveness of antidepressant medications. But is not much help in detoxing from them as far as I know.
There are several natural alternatives for dealing with anxiety. You can read more about that here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/. The focus of that post is “social anxiety” but it applies to any kind of anxiety you are experiencing.
But a BIG word of caution here …
Many nootropics on Nootropics Expert can be dangerous (and sometimes deadly) when combined with prescription meds. Particularly antidepressants. So please be very careful and do your research before trying anything. Most mainstream doctors haven’t a clue so it’s up to you do do your homework.
Carefully read through the full reviews linked to in the anxiety post. And if you have any questions please leave a comment at the bottom of the relevant review.
Hi Ron, I nowadays use Pharmagaba in stead of Temazepam (a benzo). It works so well that I rarely have to use a Temazepam. Besides that I am on lithium (carbonate), and hope to be on LithiumOrotate within a view years. I also use magnesium and zinc (both relaxing) and orther suplements.
Is there a protocol for coming off of a anti-depressant like Cymbalta(60mg in my case) and converting over to Lith Orotate ?? I’m also on a ACE inhibitor(Lisinopril). I read your link to drug interactions and the title to that page was for Lithium, not a listing for Lith Orotate, or are they the same interactions ??
Thanks in advance
Doyle, Lithium Orotate is ‘lithium’ albeit in a much smaller dose than the pharmaceutical. It will have the same interaction but degree will depend on 1) amount of lithium orotate and pharmaceutical and 2) your own body chemistry.
I’m not aware of any protocol for detoxing specifically from Cymbalta. But NADH has been used intravenously since the 1960’s for detoxing patients from alcohol, opiates, tranquilizers and stimulants (https://www.thefix.com/content/brain-restoration-'too-good-be-true'-addiction). If that link doesn’t work for you, see my review on NADH here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/nadh/ and scroll all the way down the bottom of the green Nootropics Expert Recommendation box for a link to the study.
Use the same site for drug interactions to check for Lisinopril interactions with any nootropic you are thinking of trying.
I have mild ADHD with anxiety. I have tried lithium orotate (5 mg elemental lithium) a few times and have noticed blurry vision. Is this one of the side effects of lithium and if so with continued use should this side effect go away?
Alan, it is possible that lithium orotate affected your vision. It is one of the very rare side effects reported. And it is possible that the symptom will go away over time. But it is also possible that lithium orotate may not be a good option for you.
Please do a search of Nootropics Expert for “anxiety” and find some other options. You have plenty to choose from and to experiment with. Thank you for your question.
Is the blurry vision a side effect from the lithium, or the orotate? Life Enhancement carrys a Lithium supplement from Pearson and Shaw that contains a lithium sulphate form.
David, I haven’t heard of Lithium Orotate causing ‘blurry vision’. So not sure what could be causing that symptoms. Other than possible interactions with other prescription medications.
Hi David, I am on Lithium-Carbonate (and come from Quetiapine) and also got that blurry vision. When I started the Performance Lab Multi, the blurry vision went away soon.
After reading your article i decided to get some lithium ortate for my daughter who is going through a very bad post partum psychosis an is on haldol tried to get her off haldol but her symptoms get worse whdn she does not take it. She also has bipolar .where can i get it ,please i need help.
Allison, Lithium Orotate could be a great option for your daughter. But please use caution because studies have shown big problems combining lithium with Haldol. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6415823. Lithium Orotate is a fraction of the dose they’re talking about in these studies where they were using lithium carbonate. But one study mentioned problems even with low blood lithium levels. So if you are going to try Lithium Orotate please do not use it in combination with Haldol.
Nootropic supplements should be able to help your daughter. But it will take some research and experimenting. One of the better options that comes to mind is CBD Oil > https://nootropicsexpert.com/cbd-oil/. I would also check out zinc > https://nootropicsexpert.com/zinc/. And a high quality B-Vitamin complex.
I mention the B-vitamins because they are critical for optimal healthy brain function. Vitamin B9 – Folate for example is absolutely required for brain neuroplasticity. And the synthesis of ALL the major neurotransmitters > https://nootropicsexpert.com/vitamin-b9-folate/. But choose a complex that is highly bioavailable like Life Extension’s BioActive Complete B-Complex. You want to avoid any B-Complex that uses folic acid instead of folate. Or uses cyanocobalamin instead of methylcobalamin.
I suggest you do a search here on Nootropics Expert for “bipolar” and another search for “psychosis” and see what turns up. If you have any questions please leave it in the comments section of the related post.
I’ve had lifelong low level depression. I was actually on adderall for nearly a decade to combat depression/focus and it pretty much nearly destroyed me towards the end. After stopping adderall two years ago my motivation and love for life struggles but will never go back to it or any pharmaceutical anti-depressants again. The battle to get off adderall has been the hardest thing in my life.
I don’t know the lithium orotate dosage I should take given my situation. Really hoping I can feel happy again seems out of the 100 different supplements I’ve tried this one might work with so many success stories. I started on 10 mg a day then 20 mg not sure if I should go higher or give this dosage more time.
Frank, follow the dosage notes in this review for Lithium Orotate and you’ll be fine. But please consider repairing the receptor damage caused by Adderall. You could try something like Lion’s Mane Mushroom > https://nootropicsexpert.com/lions-mane/.
You can also help repair some of the damage and boost your mood using DHA > https://nootropicsexpert.com/dha/. Combined with PC > https://nootropicsexpert.com/phosphatidylcholine-pc/
That will get you started on the road to recovery. For more ideas on what you may do repair your brain, please see this post I wrote recently on treating Traumatic Brain Injury here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-traumatic-brain-injury/
Thanks for the info one thing been suggested is taking Rhodiola Root Extract. It’s a little costly and I’m already spending a good amount on supplements just was curious if it may be worth trying. Side note noticing daily small improvements taking Lithium Orotate. I also do a keto diet and work out regularly this supplement definitely helps lift my mood. It’s a shame doctors prescribe horrible SSRI’s before suggesting this stuff.
Frank, Rhodiola is definitely worth trying. I use it every day and find it has a positive effect on my mood. But make sure you are careful about which Rhodiola you choose and get it from a highly reputable source. It is one of the supplements that has been flagged by the industry for often being adulterated because of limited raw supply.
What source do u suggest for Rhodiola Root Extract? Still
struggling taking so many nootropics daily but feel I may have damaged my self beyond repair. Still in hopes I’ll find one that really helps.
Frank, getting genuine Rhodiola Rosea is a tough one. The most reliable and trustworthy manufactures for this nootropic right now are Solgar (Standardized Full Potency Rhodiola Root Extract). And Gaia Herbs Rhodiola Rosea products.
I wrote a post late last year about recovering from traumatic brain injury which may help you here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-traumatic-brain-injury/
Is it possible that lithium orotate can raise blood pressure? I was using it and loving the way I felt but when I went into my dr. My blood pressure was unusually high. I quit using it and it seems normal again.
Ginny, Lithium Orotate often stabilizes blood pressure. I’ve found it lowered mine to safer levels and some other neurohackers have reported the same.
But it is possible for Lithium Orotate to interact with other medications. Which may raise blood pressure. Take a look at the other medications and supplements you are taking. Here is a partial list of drug interactions and lithium > https://www.rxlist.com/lithium-page3/supplements.htm#Interactions.
It’s also possible that your body has sufficient levels of lithium already. If that’s the case then using Lithium Orotate would send you over the safe limit for lithium.
Thank you for your response! I’m not on any medications, but just take some supplements, such as CoQ10, MSM, codliver oil, B vitamins, Inositol, and B12, and “Natural Calm” a magnesium plus Calcium formula. I really was wanting this to work for me. I’m going through almost unbearable stress right now. Maybe the stress itself is pushing my blood pressure up, I don’t know. I normally have always had low to normal blood pressure.
Ginny, take a look at this article I wrote on dealing with stress here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/top-7-nootropic-adaptogens-to-conquer-anxiety-and-stress/.
You may want to consider Lemon Balm, Bacopa or Rhodiola. I’m reluctant to suggest a specific nootropic because your body may react differently to something that works for me. I have great success with Rhodiola Rosea. You may have more success with Lemon Balm. Keep on experimenting until you find your sweet spot. It sounds like you’re getting very close.
Thanks David! Tried Rodiola Rosea. It actually made me more anxious, unfortunately. But am giving it to my husband who has mild cognitive impairment. I will check out lemon balm. I’m taking GABA and inositol at night and that is working well for me. Thanks for all your help!
Will Lithium have any effect on the growth of a lymphatic cancerous tumor?
Thank U,
Marie
Marie, answering your question is way above my pay grade. But from what I’ve been able to find in the research, “lithium was found to prevent metastasis to the lungs, liver, and lymph nodes by inhibiting TGFBIp-induced tumor lymphangiogenesis.” According to this study > https://www.nature.com/articles/srep20739.
Other research seems to support this but not specifically lymphatic tumors > https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1741-7015-10-131. And here > http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0134676. Toxicity of lithium is mentioned when talking about high dose lithium carbonate-type drugs used to treat bipolar disorder and the like > http://cen.acs.org/articles/91/i12/Limits-Lithium.html.
But here we’re talking about using micro-doses of lithium with Lithium Orotate. I strongly suggest discussing this further with your doctors.
I read that oratic acid in the oratate is carcinogenic and can cause cell mutations. It can also contribute to the growth of an existing tumor and is not advisable for a health conscious individual to consume.
I take Lithium oratate daily and I found this information to be very disturbing, as I am not ready to give up the benefits of this supplement.
Rose, would you please provide a link to a peer-reviewed clinical study that shows oratic acid is carcinogenic? Please don’t link to some other website. We need an authority here with definitive proof that this is true.
Can I suggest 400-800 mg a day (2 divided doses) of magnesium citrate. If particularly anxious chew one till a powder and swallow with water. There are estimates that 80% of americans are magnesium deficient. Its being called an “epidemic” by some authorities. Magnesium keeps me calm. Lithium keeps me happy. Try it! It worked for me.
Good advice on magnesium. Only problem with Magnesium Citrate is it does not cross the blood-brain barrier very well. I use 200 mg of chelated magnesium about 90 minutes before bed and it helps me sleep. Another option that works even better is Magnesium-l-threonate which is a patented form of magnesium specifically designed to cross into the brain. More on that here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/magnesium/#dosage-notes
I tried 5mg of Lithium Orotate for a couple of days. I had great hope in my heart that it would help me with my anxiety, depression and insomnia. Instead I have noticed an increase in anxiety. I stopped taking all of my supplements today and tomorrow will try only the Lithium.
Has anyone else sensed an increase in symptoms? I so wanted this to work for me.
Bob
Lithium requires energy from the thyroid, if you’re unable to produce what is needed you might have more of an adverse effect i guess.
Håkon, thought I’d interject here because I am hypothyroid. And use Lithium Orotate without any problem. The studies done since the 1960’s indicate lithium therapy for bipolar patients can induce hypothyroidism in some patients. But the studies are talking about using therapeutic doses of prescription lithium such as lithium carbonate. We’re talking in the range of 500 – 800 mg of lithium per dose.
Lithium Orotate provides only 5 mg vs 800 mg. I highly doubt it will have any effect on the thyroid and it certainly hasn’t on mine.
One small correction on your statement… Lithium seems to accumulate 3 – 4X more in the thyroid than anywhere else in the body. And at high doses inhibits the release of thyroid hormones T4 and T3. Therein lies the problem in some people with a malfunctioning thyroid. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1584230/).
If anyone seeing this thread has more information and cares to join in please do.
Hello,
I have Lyme etc etc and I am on tons ofherbs, supps, and vitamins, also starting chelating of metals per Andy Cutler . My question is – I already take remeron ( a tri- cyclic anti- depressant / anti- anxiety and Valium for sleep. I would love to transition to lith orotate 120 mg instead of that crap I’m on but am concerned if I overlap I will be getting too much serritonon etc ..
i also plan to try other things like typtophan, taurine, 5 htp, high does of melatonin , hydergine for depression , anxiety , sleep. The thing is I have been on the bad stuff for so long . Can you please advise
Nikki, I’m not a doctor and don’t even play one on TV. So please check with a doctor before trying any nootropic supplement with the medications you are using. Lithium Orotate provides a very low dose of elemental lithium. So shouldn’t interact with a tri-cyclic antidepressant, or with diazepam. But again, please check with your doctor.
But do NOT use any nootropic supplement that directly or indirectly affects serotonin while on these medications. Including tryptophan, 5-HTP and melatonin. Serotonin Syndrome is real and can be deadly.
Nikki, you deserve a more encouraging answer than I gave in my first comment. I stand by what I said about the interactions and dangers of combining prescription antidepressants and some nootropic supplements. But there are natural options to antidepressants that may help without the nasty side effects if used wisely.
Please see the post on nootropics for depression here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-depression/
And another for sleep here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-sleep/
Detoxing from these prescription meds can be tough. But it is worth the effort. Read through both posts. Each has links through to full reviews of each nootropic which include recommended dosage, side effects and types to buy. If you have questions about any of them please leave a comment below that review like you did here for Lithium Orotate.
The thing is there is no magic pill. You’ll not have success with just one supplement. It often takes a ‘stack’ of supplements to get to where you want to go. It’ll take time and experimenting but is worth the effort.
Is the key word here “high doses” ? If someone is taking thyroid hormone and is hypothyroid (even mildly), should they not take low dose lithium orotate? Most people over 50 have some hypothyroidism going on, since any endocrine system slows down with age, but does the lithium make it worse, or antagonize thyroid output, etc.?
David, Lithium Orotate by its very nature is “low dose” because tablets usually have 5 mg of elemental lithium.
I am hypothyroid on high doses of natural desiccated thyroid (NP Thyroid). I use up to 5 tablets of Lithium Orotate per day for a total of 25 mg elemental lithium. And have not found it affects me negatively. I only get good results.