Key Takeaways
Lithium is a natural alkali metal essential for reproductive health and overall wellness in humans and animals.
Historically used for therapeutic purposes, lithium is studied for its neuroprotective and mood-stabilizing effects.
Micro-dosing lithium through supplements like Lithium Orotate offers cognitive benefits such as mood balancing, promoting growth factors and neurogenesis, and brain protection.
Adequate lithium intake from diet and water may help prevent mental and neurological diseases, while low levels can be associated with depression, anxiety, and memory decline.
Lithium Orotate is a popular micro-dosing option that provides mood stabilization, neuroprotection, and cognitive enhancement without toxic side effects of higher doses.
Lithium is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal so reactive (it sparks when it touches water) that it’s not found in nature on its own. 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 prescription lithium with treating mental illnesses like bipolar disorder and mania (lithium carbonate). 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 naturally occurring mineral. Lithium salts are 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 minerals effects on nervous system metabolism. And it’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Lithium Orotate benefits
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 increase of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (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 Orotate 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.
Lithium Orotate Clinical 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 lithium treatment 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]
Lithium Orotate Recommended Dosage
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 and to treat 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, I 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 supplements recommended dose is 5 mg two or three times per day. See “Where to buy Lithium Orotate” 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.
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.
Prescription lithium used in excess has been shown to have adverse effects on thyroid and kidney function. This is NOT a problem when supplementing with Lithium Orotate when used at recommended dosages.
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.
Where to Buy Lithium Orotate
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 (Amazon) which was formulated by Dr. Hans Nieper.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Lithium Orotate 5 mg 2 or 3 times per day.
I 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 overworked. 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.
Lithium supplements do not change your state of consciousness. It simply helps bring you back to feeling normal and happy.
I 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 recommend and use Lithium Orotate by Advanced Research (Amazon).
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[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)
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Hi, I just found your site. Considering taking LO so maybe I can try to come off Zoloft. I am on 50 mg Zoloft but it doesn’t help my anxiety. I’ve tried multiple antidepressants and tend to be sensitive to their side effects. Do you have recommendations for the best way to step down Zoloft while taking LO? Is there a risk of Seratonin syndrome?
Joy, there is a very real risk of Serotonin Syndrome combining those two: https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/lithium-with-zoloft-1477-0-2057-1348.html
David, thank you for another helpful and informative article. I would like to take lithium orotate for brain protective effects and possible help with sleep as some have reported improved sleep using this. But I also seem to have reduced dopamine levels. This review suggests lithium may lower dopamine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23371914/
If I take lithium orotate, would it be worth also using tyrosine to preserve or increase dopamine levels? Thanks for your help!
David, the lithium they are referring to in that study is likely Lithium Carbonate at very high doses like 400 – 1000 mg per day.
Lithium orotate is only 5 mg of lithium. It will not have a negative effect on dopamine. But you are likely deficient in dopamine depending on your age. So should be using L-Tyrosine anyway. But not because you are using Lithium orotate.
My 40 yr. old son suffers from bipolar disorder. His mind races, he gets frequent headaches, & has social anxiety. He stopped taking Vraylar (cariprazine) about 6 mos. ago but remained on 200mg quetiapine which he takes at bedtime. Over the past month he has been on a downward spiral & he wouldn’t go back on the Vraylar. Last week he had an acute manic episode (delusions) which resulted in him being placed on administrative leave from work. He needs help fast. I want him to start taking lithium oroate. Is it okay to take it if he is still on quetiapine? He also vapes cannabis. Would that cause an adverse reaction with the lithium oroate? For the past few days he started taking Pharma GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), 100mg in morning & 300 mg @ bedtime as he has trouble sleeping. In addition he takes magnesium 400mg a day divided, Ester C 1500-2000mg a day divided, Vit D3 5000IU, zinc bisglycinate 15mg, & a multivitamin (Thorne Research’s Basic Nutrients 2/Day). I have ordered VegEPA Omega Fish Oil & Vit B6 for him to also start taking. Please advise if anything in this regiment is contraindicated with the lithium oroate & if you can suggest other supplements that would be helpful. I had contemplated adding 5 HTP & Sam E also but wasn’t sure if appropriate for bipolar disorder. These terrible manic episodes have been occurring every 2 yrs. since 2017. Thank you for your help. God bless!
Lithium is contraindicated with quetiapine which is explained in more detail here: https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/lithium-with-quetiapine-1477-0-1979-0.html
Lithium Orotate may be safe but you absolutely must to this with a doctors supervision. Because there is the possibility of inducing a heart attack.
I suggest avoiding 5-HTP and use L-Tryptophan instead because it is safer and can be used long-term. I am not sure if SAM-e would help or not. Please read my SAM-e before you make your decision.
And make sure the Omega-3 your are using contains 1,000 mg DHA per day. Anything less will not be much help. And half that amount of EPA.
Can a severe TBI patient take lithium supplements?
Yes. See the last paragraph just above the section called “How things go bad” above to see how it is used for TBI.
But his in vegetative state for over 2 years 4 months now… due to lost of brain tissue but his vital signs are all really good… I’ll give my brother a try with lithium orotate. With a Low dose… and slowly increase… if there’s any recommendations please give me a heads up. Thank you David…
For severe TBI vegetative patient for 2years 4 months… still on tube feeding…what’s the dose you recommend?
Muhamad, this clinical study details the argument for using Lithium for TBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4063503/.
But the authors of that study are referring to the historical use of lithium carbonate and lithium citrate which is used in large doses of 400 – 1,000 mg per day.
Here we are talking about micro-dosing lithium when using Lithium Orotate. Most people who are switching from high dose lithium to Lithium Orotate start with 5 mg 3-times per day. But can go as high as doubling or tripling that dose 3-times per day. Note that this is still a fraction of the dose compared to Lithium Carbonate.
Can you stack l-tyrosine with lithium?
Yes
Does L TYROSINE DAMAGE DNA?
Faris, how could it “DAMAGE DNA”? Tyrosine is a naturally occurring amino acid used to produced dopamine.
Hello David,
Thank you for the research. I am a Navy vet with PTSD. Long story.. I have suffered with insomnia for years. I was on anti depressants for years supposedly to help me sleep. They did not work so I turned to alcohol and benzos for years but recently went through a 90 day program at the VA. Good program but still does not help me sleep. The VA’s answer is another anti depressant but I have decided not to introduce another drug. They had me on trazedone to sleep but the side effects are horrible. And I still don’t sleep.
I started researching lithium orotate. I have started taking 5mg and upping the dose over the past week or so to a total of 30. However I read where bi polar should take 120mg. I know I have some bi polar tendencies triggered by the moon phase.
Do you have a suggestion for me? My email is attached. Thank you!
Sheree, do not get confused with the difference between 5 mg and 120 mg Lithium Orotate because they are the same thing. The first measures the amount of elemental lithium in each capsule or tablet. And the 2nd is the total lithium combined with orotic acid.
You can safely double this dose and use it 3-times per day.
And for sleep, please see this article: v https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-sleep-supplements-to-buy/
Hi David, I started Lithium yesterday and had 5mg 3x across the day. It actually had a detrimental impact on my mood. Not sure if I went in too strong. Had a look at my stack and only change was reducing my SAMe dose a bit to 600mg a few days before.
Hi David, just starting on Lithium for a few weeks to suss it out. I like its multimodal activity and down regulation of norepinephrine.
I am being treated as part of fixing Zinc/Copper ratio which I understand if Copper is too high it turns dopamine -> norepinephrine -> epinephrine quite quickly via an enzyme. The excess effects of epinephrine can contribute to stress/jitteryness I believe. (Tell me if I’m wrong)
Is there anything you recommend in upping dopamine but regulating norepinephrine and epinephrine? Lithium may help but curious on others that modulate this cycle.
Phil, the best way to increase dopamine is with L-Tyrosine. But dopamine eventually turns into norepinephrine and then epinephrine. It is excess norepinephrine that can cause the symptoms you describe.
There are too many to mention here so I encourage to use the search function top right of the top menu and search for “norepinephrine” and see what turns up. You’ll find supplements including SAM-e which is involved in the increase and decrease of each of these catecholamines. And Saffron inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine.
Thanks, just sent another post but think I went in a bit ‘hot’ on intake for someone that doesn’t have BP or Mania. Also bought the Dr Nieper version.
May start a 1-2mg a day, there a recommended time to take it?
Phil, there really isn’t a recommended “time of day” to take it and many even use it “as needed”.
SAMe works well for me, seems to be the only supplement so far that’s made a difference.
Re Saffron, inhibiting norepinephrine is the opposite I want to do right?
Phil, you are correct about Saffron and it may not be your best option.
Hi Dave,
I took 5mg of LO last night right after dinner and it seems to be working great. I can still feel the effects the next day. Very powerful.. I did get a strange stomach ache around 4:00am though which lasted into the morning. Could that be related to the LO?? Also, I take tart cherry extract before bed and it has some diuretic properties to it I think. Do you think it’s safe to take LO while taking tart cherry extract?
Matt, I have never heard of a stomach ache as a side effect from using Lithium Orotate. But anything is possible when it comes to supplements because each of us is unique in many ways.
It is not recommended if you have kidney problems. But if you do not then there shouldn’t be a problem using it with Tart Cherry. Keep in mind that studies are non-existent with these supplements when it comes to contraindications with other supplements. So, you could find a problem that no one else has reported.
Hello David. My son takes 0.5 mg risperidone a day for high irritability anger concentration issues. Can this be supplemented with 5mg lithium orotate a day?
Gowri, it is not contraindicated so you should be OK.
hi david
does taking 25 mg of lithium orotate per day considered as safe limit or upper safe limit ?
Salem, 25 mg is safe but it is the upper limit.
why did you stop using lithium David? I was thinking of taking 1mg a day to preserve cognition.
James, I continue to use Lithium Orotate 3-times per day. But it looks like I forgot to update my page to reflect this. Thanks for the heads-up!
Helo David. Ive recently been takin L.O but had my fears that the combination of Lithium and Concerta (Adhd med.) could rek my kidneys.
What do you think?
Best regards Anders
Anders, I’ve been using both for years and regularly get my labs done. And my kidneys are fine. As long as you follow the dosage recommendations and do not have kidney problems you should not have a problem. But if it worries you then get your labs done a couple of times per year.
hi david
iam taking 5 mg of lithium orotate , 4 times per day, with 4 hours gap between doses
so thats 20 mg per day
is 20 mg considered in safe range ?
Salem, it is certainly safe as long as it works for you and your system. You should have noticed a problem by now if you were going to.
Hi
Please can we use lithium orotate with huperzine and curcumin?
Kodi, yes you can. There is not much Lithium Orotate is contraindicated with.
Thank you you are the best reference.
Hi David. Lilthium is amazing. Do you know if it interacts with SNRIS? I now take a stack and lilthium included but I am on a tiny sub clinical dose but worried about interactions.
Not that I am aware of Claire.
Hello David! After using lithium rotate , My mood is stabilize throughout the day , but I feel little pain in teeth’s . I frequently need to urinate . Is it safe for me to continue taking lithium ortate? I take two 5mg capsules in a day.
Malik, you should not be experiencing those symptoms from using Lithium Orotate. Try only one dose per day and see if that helps. Or only use Lithium Orotate as needed.
hi david
can i can take 20mg per day of lithium orotate?
like 2 doses 5mg and one dose 10 mg ?
thanks
Salem, you can if your system can tolerate that amount.
what are the symptoms that i must pay attention to that iam not tolerating that 20 mg dose ?
You should not experience any side effects with 20 mg Lithium Orotate. There is the very, very rare possibility of experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. But those symptoms usually associated wtih high dose Lithium like they prescribe for psychosis and mania.
Hi David,
On the suggestion of my naturopath I am trying Lithium Orotate. I tend to be very sensitive.
I took the basic 5mg caps two nights in a row. I felt something for a bout an hour afterwards, just a little tiny heady feeling.
Today I felt sort of lightheaded and a bit disoriented. Is this anything you’ve heard of happening before? I’m wondering if I should stop it altogether or perhaps try breaking up the caps into smaller doses.
Also, I’m case it matters I take 500 mg Tryptophan at night. I also take Turmeric, Ashwaganda, Magnesium glycinate, omegas, vitamin D, Maca in the morning, thyroid meds, Claritin, Chinese herbs, and desiccated liver supplement.
Denise, did you see this part of my Side Effects section above? “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.”
If none of that applies to you and you experienced what you did the 2nd day of using Lithium Orotate it could be the wrong supplement for you.
Are you using one or two tablets/capsules at once? Because if it is two then cut your dose back to one tablet and see if that helps. If not then cut the tablet in half and see if that helps. If none of that works then you’ll need to find another nootropic supplement to try.
Thank you for your reply. I don’t have any of the contraindications listed, but I am struggling with a difficult perimenopause, hypothyroidism, and possible protracted withdrawals from Wellbutrin and Prozac which I quit 17 months ago. Also, saw my acupuncturist and she thinks I have a cold, due to some sinus congestion, and so that may have been what was making me feel off kilter. So, maybe it was just bad timing.
I had only tried one 5 mg cap at night. I think that I felt better mentally for the first two days, and then started feeling off after that. I stopped taking it and still felt off for the next several days. I think I will try to order some 1 mg caps and try those when this congestion is gone. I tend to need lower doses of everything than most people. Really appreciate your site.
I took an L glutamine supplement that feels as though it has flooded my brain with glutamate. I’m twitching and I can’t sleep. Would the dose recommended above for a week help me clear it out?
PS. Your site is a Godsend.
Carolyn, Lithium Orotate helps prevent glutamate toxicity it may help you. Try a standard dose of 5 mg which is usually a 120 mg tablet or capsule 3-times per day.
Hello – my Dr. suggested I start taking anti-depress RX Wellbutrin, but not feeling great on it. I remember I tried taking the brand of Lithium orotate you recommend at 120 mg a day and noticed a difference, but thought I was kidding myself. I think I might quit Wellbutrin and go back to L.O… is 120 mg 1 x a day that most? Do you recommend trying them together? There’s a chance I might want to give Wellbutrin a chance. It’s only been 5 days.
Thank you!
Steph, Wellbutrin and Lithium Orotate are very different in the way they work in your brain. And if you did not experience any benefit from Wellbutrin I don’t think continuing it will change that. It either works or it doesn’t.
Lithium Orotate is micro-dosing lithium which is bound to orotic acid which helps lithium better access the brain. Each dose is only 5 mg of lithium. You can safely use that dose 3-times per day.