Bipolar disorder is a treatable mood disorder sometimes known as manic depression. It is characterized by swings in mood, thought, energy and behavior, between extremes of high, or "manic" poles, and low, or "depressed" poles. These mood swings can last hours, days, weeks or even months. Bipolar disorder can strike children, adolescents, adults and the elderly, and affects all races, ethnic groups and social classes. It tends to run in families, and appears to have a genetic link. This disorder can negatively affect your relationship with your spouse or partner, your family members, friends and co-workers.
Lithium and Fish Oil
Lithium is one of many possible medications your health care provider may select to help you manage mood swings of your bipolar disorder. Fish oil, on the other hand, a source of omega-3 fatty acids, is categorized as an alternative medication, and may have an effect on depression, a component of bipolar disorder. However, more research needs to be done to determine how effective omega-3 fatty acids may be in alleviating symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Lithium
As one of various medications used for treating bipolar disorder, lithium has proved effective in stabilizing moods and minimizing, if not preventing, the extreme highs and lows of certain types of bipolar disorder, MayoClinic.com states. Because of this, lithium has been used in treating bipolar disorder for many years. Patients who take lithium need to have their blood tested periodically because taking lithium can cause thyroid and kidney problems. Other side effects of taking lithium include tremor, weight gain and digestive problems.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is rich in the beneficial oils known as omega-3 fatty acids, MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, says. Taking fish oil in conjunction with usual treatments for bipolar disorder appears to improve symptoms of depression and lengthen the amount of time between episodes of depression. On the other hand, there doesn't seem to be any indication that taking fish oil improves the manic symptoms for people with bipolar disorder. Some indications even suggest that taking fish oil may have the opposite effect, and increase symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Interactions Between Lithium and Fish Oil
Fish oil is sometimes used along with the usual treatments for bipolar disorder, MedlinePlus says. There is no indication of interactions between lithium and fish oil, Drugs.com states. However, this does not conclusively mean that no interactions exist between the two. Consult your doctor before combining lithium and fish oil.
