The prescription drug lithium is used primarily to treat bipolar disorder, but doctors also prescribe lithium to treat schizophrenia, depression and certain blood disorders. Lithium is classified as an antimanic agent; it decreases abnormal activity in the brain. Caffeine can affect the way lithium works in your body.
Interaction
Caffeine increases the rate at which your body eliminates lithium through urine, which could reduce the effectiveness of lithium. According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, if you take lithium you should avoid excessive caffeine intake. Ask your doctor how much caffeine is acceptable to combine with lithium. Eliminating caffeine also can have an impact on lithium, particularly if you do so suddenly.
Lithium Toxicity
According to the website Drugs.com, there is a moderate interaction between lithium and caffeine withdrawal. Because caffeine helps eliminate lithium from the body, quitting caffeine may significantly increase levels of lithium in the blood; this can lead to lithium toxicity and worsening of the original health disorder. If you use lithium and stop consuming caffeine, seek medical attention if you experience signs of lithium toxicity such as drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, lack of coordination, tremors, blurry vision, ringing in the ears, noticeable thirst and increased urination, diarrhea or vomiting.
Caffeinated Substances
If you decide to restrict your caffeine intake to prevent problems with lithium, be aware of the many products that contain caffeine. Coffee, black teas, green teas, colas and some other sodas, energy drinks and chocolate all contain caffeine. In addition, read labels for over-the-counter medications; some have added caffeine, including certain pain relievers and nondrowsy cold medicines.
Considerations
Lithium interacts with numerous other substances besides caffeine. For example, it interacts with alcohol, certain antacids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, blood pressure medications, diuretics and other medications for mental illness and mood disorders. Tell your doctor any time you add or eliminate any medication, supplement or herbal product from your health regimen while you take lithium.
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