How To Take Lithium Orotate With Prozac

Some bipolar disorder patients use the dietary supplement lithium orotate as an alternative to the prescription medication lithium carbonate. These patients are often already taking an antidepressant medication such as Prozac for their bipolar disorder. Because lithium orotate can alter the effects of Prozac and may cause serious side effects, patients should always get permission from their doctor or psychiatrist to take lithium orotate and Prozac at the same time.

Step 1

Talk to a doctor or psychiatrist. A doctor or psychiatrist can review your medical and mental history to determine if this treatment option is appropriate for your situation. If she expresses reservations about the supplement, share any research you have done or give her some time to research the supplement herself. Always respect her professional opinion regarding this treatment option, and carefully consider what she has to say about it.

Step 2

Talk to a reputable alternative health practitioner. Since supplements are not regulated in the same manner as prescription drugs, the exact formulation of each brand of lithium orotate may be slightly different. After getting approval to take lithium orotate from a doctor or psychiatrist, it may be useful to get recommendations from someone who specializes in alternative medicine about which brand is most appropriate for your specific situation. Remember to tell the practitioner that you are currently taking or plan to take Prozac as well.

Step 3

Tell your friends or family members about your decision. Sometimes people suffering from a mental illness do not realize when they are acting strangely or displaying signs of their mental illness. Ask friends or family members to help you monitor your symptoms over the next several months to make sure the lithium orotate doesn't cause any unwelcome side effects. Instruct them to talk to you or call your doctor or psychiatrist if they suspect that the lithium orotate is producing undesirable effects.

Step 4

Begin treatment. The exact dosage information and usage instructions depend on your symptoms, medical background and other personal factors. Always follow the dosage instructions recommended by your doctor, psychiatrist or alternative health practitioner. Do not take more than the recommended amount of either lithium orotate or Prozac, as doing so may cause serious medical complications.

Step 5

Watch for side effects. Always call your doctor or psychiatrist if you experience any side effect that is particularly unpleasant or seems unusual.

Step 6

Keep all doctor appointments. A doctor or psychiatrist needs to monitor while you are taking lithium orotate and Prozac to make sure you are not developing any serious side effects or complications from the treatment. It is important to be vigilant at keeping all doctor appointments and remaining in constant contact with him about your situation.

Tips and Warnings

Always check the credentials and professional background of alternative health practitioners. You want to make sure the person you are working with has the appropriate experience, education and expertise in this field. You may find it useful to keep a journal of your symptoms to share with your doctor, psychiatrist or alternative health practitioner. A pharmacist may provide more information about the potential negative interactions of lithium orotate, Prozac and any other prescription medications or supplements you are currently taking.
Taking any form of lithium while taking Prozac increases the risk of Serotonin Syndrome and lithium toxicity, according to Drugs.com. Talk to a doctor and make sure you understand these risks before beginning treatment. Each person's body responds differently to supplements and medications. Just because this treatment approach worked for someone else does not mean it will work for you. Although anecdotal accounts claim lithium orotate can effectively treat depression or bipolar disorder, no scientific study supports this claim as of 2010.