Lithium, an element, calms the manic episodes that occur with bipolar disorders; it was one of the first medications used to treat bipolar disorders. To be effective and not toxic, lithium must be maintained within a narrow range in the blood, normally 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L, according to the Utah Poison control Center. Taking herbs or supplements in addition to lithium can affect the absorption of the medication, making it more or less effective or increasing certain side effects. Some supplements may also improve the side effects caused by lithium.
Lowered Blood Levels
Some supplements lower the levels of lithium in the blood, which reduces its effectiveness. Supplements that might lower levels of lithium in your blood include green tea and psyllium, a fiber used as a laxative, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Increased Blood Levels
Supplements that raise blood levels of lithium can cause toxicity. Symptoms of mild toxicity include hand tremors and weakness, which can progress to slurred speech, muscle twitching, increased muscle reflexes and ringing in the ears. Severe toxicity can cause confusion, seizures and coma. Neurotoxicity can be fatal at blood levels of 3 to 4 mEq/L, the Utah Poison Control Center warns. Supplements that can raise blood levels of lithium include horsetail, a plant used to decrease fluid retention, according to MedlinePlus. Any herb or supplement that has diuretic properties can cause increased blood levels of lithium and should be avoided. Other potential diuretics include celery seed, dandelion leaf and elder flower, registered pharmacist Edwin Hawkins reports.
Improvement of Side Effects
Rather than causing side effects, some supplements may improve lithium side effects. A small 2002 study reported in "The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine" found that giving B6 to five patients decreased lithium-induced tremor in four of the five, lead author Chanoch Miodownik, M.D. of the University of the Negev reported.
References
- The Chiropractic Research Organization: And the Good Herb Taketh Away; Edwin Hawkins, RPh
- University of Maryalnd Medical Center: Psyllium
- Utah Poison Control Center: Lithium
- MedlinePlus: Horsetail
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Green Tea
- "The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine ": Lithium-Induced Tremor Treated With B-6: Chanoch Miodownik, M.D., et al; 2002
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