Lithium Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Same-day visits are often possible
See us in our Fort Lauderdale office or by video anywhere in Florida. Ages 6 and up. We take Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare and most major insurance plans. Se habla español.
Lithium at One Stop Psychiatry
Lithium is one of the oldest and best-known treatments for bipolar disorder. It works well for many people, but it needs regular lab tests and close follow-up. We handle both. Visits are in Fort Lauderdale or by video anywhere in Florida, and lab orders can go to Quest, Labcorp or any lab your insurance accepts.
What Is Lithium?
Lithium is an antimanic medication. It comes as tablets, capsules, extended-release tablets or a liquid. Regular forms are usually taken 3 or 4 times a day, and extended-release tablets 2 or 3 times a day. Take it at about the same times each day, and swallow extended-release tablets whole. The brand name still sold is Lithobid.
What Is Lithium Used For?
Lithium is used to treat manic episodes and to help prevent new ones in people with bipolar disorder. It can take 1 to 3 weeks or longer to feel the full effect, and it’s important to keep taking it even when you feel well.
Is Lithium Right for Me?
Your provider will go over your mood history and your health, including heart or kidney disease, thyroid disease, any unexplained fainting and pregnancy. They’ll also ask about water pills (diuretics) and pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen, which can affect lithium levels.
Getting Started With Lithium
Call (754) 270-6322 or request an appointment online. We’re open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Our staff will call you back to check your insurance, send your intake forms and confirm when and where your visit is.
At the first visit, your provider goes over your symptoms, your history, what you’ve already tried and what you’re taking now. You can come to our Fort Lauderdale office or use video from anywhere in Florida.
If Lithium makes sense for you, you’ll hear how to take it, what to expect in the first few weeks and which side effects to call about. If it doesn’t, your provider will talk through other options. Follow-up visits are where the dose gets fine-tuned.
Side Effects of Lithium
Common side effects include restlessness, a fine hand tremor, mild thirst, less appetite, stomach pain or indigestion, weight change and dry mouth.
Stop lithium and call your provider right away if you have drowsiness, shaking you can’t control, muscle weakness or twitching, loss of coordination, vomiting or diarrhea, slurred speech, ringing in your ears or blurred vision. These can be signs that your lithium level is too high.
Get emergency help for fainting, blackouts or seizures; a fast, slow or irregular heartbeat or chest tightness; or confusion or hallucinations.
Important Safety Information
- Keep every doctor and lab appointment. Your provider uses lab tests to check how your body is handling lithium.
- Follow your provider’s advice about fluids and salt. Tell them if you have bad diarrhea, heavy sweating or a fever, since these can change your lithium level.
- Don’t start ibuprofen, naproxen or other new medications without checking with your provider or pharmacist.
- Don’t stop lithium without talking to your provider, and don’t drive until you know how it affects you.
Related Medications
Common Questions
What are signs of too much lithium?
Diarrhea, vomiting, shaky hands that get worse, muscle weakness, unsteadiness or confusion can be signs of a high level. Get medical help right away if these happen.
Can I take ibuprofen with lithium?
Some pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can raise lithium levels. Ask your provider or pharmacist before taking any new medicine, including over-the-counter ones.
Why do I need blood tests on lithium?
Lab tests show how your body is responding and help your provider keep your dose in a safe range.
Where do I get my labs done?
You’ll get a lab order you can take to any lab your insurance accepts, including Quest and Labcorp.
Does Florida heat matter?
It can. Heavy sweating can change your lithium level, so follow your provider’s advice on fluids and salt, and tell them if you’ve been sweating a lot or have a fever.
Can lithium be managed by video?
Follow-ups can be done by video while you’re in Florida, with lab work done at a lab near you.
Insurance and Cost
We take Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana and Optum, and we have sliding-scale rates if you’re paying yourself. We check your coverage before the visit. The price of the medication itself depends on your pharmacy and plan. More on insurance.
We see patients from age 6, and same-day visits are often possible. Several of our providers and staff speak Spanish. Request an appointment or call (754) 270-6322.
Learn more about bipolar disorder treatment at One Stop Psychiatry.
We aren’t an emergency service. If you’re thinking about suicide or you’re in crisis, call or text 988. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DO, psychiatrist, on October 6, 2026.
Source: MedlinePlus: Lithium (U.S. National Library of Medicine / NIH). This page is general information, not medical advice.
Who You'll See
Your care is with our team of physicians, psychiatric nurse practitioners and a physician assistant. Visits are available in English, Spanish, Russian, Urdu and Hindi. Our staff can help you choose someone who's a good fit.
Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DOPsychiatrist
Dr. Murtaza Ali, DOAddiction specialist and family physician
Dr. Heather Brathwaite, PhD, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitioner
Michelle KovalPsychiatric nurse practitioner. Speaks Russian
Neal Fouke, PAPsychiatric physician assistant
Muhammad Nawaz, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitioner. Speaks Urdu and HindiRequest an Appointment
Tell us how to reach you. Our team calls back the same business day, Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Your appointment is confirmed once staff call you to set the time and place.
Prefer to talk to someone? Call (754) 270-6322.
Our Office
3015 N Ocean Blvd, Ste C101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Phone: (754) 270-6322. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Video visits are available anywhere in Florida. Directions and parking.