Lithium
Looking up whether another medicine or supplement can be taken with Lithium? This page focuses on interaction questions for Lithium Carbonate (Lithobid, Eskalith).
2 supplements in this library have a recorded interaction with this medication
Dangerous combinations
Supplements recorded as risky with this medication1 listedHighest severity first
- →SupplementsSea Moss (Irish Moss)TheoreticalCaution
Lithium and excess iodine can both suppress thyroid function, increasing the risk of hypothyroidism and goiter.
Where the evidence comes from
- Reference knowledge
Open Sea Moss (Irish Moss)Confidence
confidence 60/100
Weakens or is weakened by
Supplements that may blunt it, or be blunted by it1 listedHighest probability
- →SupplementsSea Moss (Irish Moss)CertaintyMediumSourceReference knowledgeDepleting
Iodine in sea moss may reduce the efficacy of lithium in bipolar disorder by altering thyroid function, which can indirectly destabilize mood regulation and increase risk of lithium-induced goiter or hypothyroidism.
Where the evidence comes from
- Reference knowledge
Confidence
confidence 60/100
Also listed as dangerous interaction — do not combine. This antagonist entry explains the pharmacological mechanism.
Open Sea Moss (Irish Moss)
- Trade names
- Lithium Carbonate (Lithobid, Eskalith)
Full write-up
What is it
Lithium is a psychiatric medication. It is also known through the brand names Lithium Carbonate, Lithobid, and Eskalith. This page is designed to orient questions about whether other medicines or supplements may interact with Lithium. It is educational reference content, not medical advice; questions involving a medical condition are best discussed with a clinician.
What interacts with it
The most important concerns involve changes in lithium levels, serotonin activity, fluid balance, and thyroid function. Combining lithium with 5-HTP, St. John's Wort, or Tryptophan may increase serotonergic activity and the risk of serotonin toxicity. Aloe Vera can cause diarrhea, sodium loss, and dehydration, which may reduce renal lithium clearance and raise lithium levels. Astragalus and Tribulus Terrestris may also alter renal lithium handling through diuretic or natriuretic effects. These combinations warrant discussion with a prescriber or pharmacist.
Hydration and caffeine patterns should be kept consistent rather than changed abruptly. Dehydration can raise lithium levels, while a sudden increase in water intake can reduce therapeutic levels. Caffeine can increase renal lithium clearance, so increasing caffeine may lower lithium levels, while abruptly reducing habitual caffeine intake may raise them. Green Tea Extract (EGCG) may create a similar concern when it contains caffeine. Sodium Bicarbonate and substantial changes in dietary sodium may also increase renal lithium clearance and reduce lithium concentrations.
Absorption can be affected by fiber. Dietary Fiber (Prebiotics), particularly Psyllium Husk, may reduce lithium absorption and contribute to lower levels. Psyllium Husk should be separated from lithium by at least 2 hours, with lithium-level monitoring when regular use is started, stopped, or changed.
Iodine and Sea Moss (Irish Moss) may add to lithium-related thyroid suppression, increasing concern about hypothyroidism or goiter. Inositol and Taurine represent more theoretical concerns: it has not been established that either reduces lithium effectiveness, although Taurine’s clinical significance and direction of interaction are not established. Changes involving these products are best reviewed with the prescribing clinician, with serum-lithium monitoring when appropriate.