How long does lithium stay in your system? (3+ factors to consider)

In this article, we will discuss how long it takes for lithium to get eliminated from your body. We will also discuss some factors that may affect the stay time of lithium in the body and what one can do to ensure the safe and effective use of this medication.

How long does lithium stay in your system?

Lithium typically stays in your system for about 5-7 days. In some cases, it can even take more than a week for lithium to clear up (1). Lithium is typically used as a mood stabilizer that can help manage symptoms associated with conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. 

However, the approximate time lithium takes to leave your system can vary among individuals. It is important to make sure that you take lithium according to your doctor’s directions and do not try to stop the medication abruptly. Doing so can affect your treatment goals significantly. 

What is the half-life of lithium?

Lithium has a half-life of about 18-30 hours, meaning the drug takes 18-30 hours to reduce to half of its initial concentration in your body (1,2). This process continues, and the drug concentration keeps reducing to half every 18-30 hours. 

It typically takes 5 half-lives for a drug to get eliminated from your body, indicating that lithium can take anywhere from 4 to 7 days to leave your system (1,2). 

It is important to note that this happens when you take the very last dose of lithium. If you continue to take this medication, it never really leaves your system, and it’s not supposed to, as a steady drug concentration in your body is crucial for managing your symptoms effectively. 

So, if you have taken your last dose of lithium, that’s when it’ll take up to 7 days to leave your system. If you take a new dose, the process will start all over again.

In the case of lithium toxicity, the symptoms may persist for a long time, as compared to medications with shorter half-lives (3). 

What factors can affect the stay time of lithium in your system?

Some factors that can affect the stay time of lithium in your body include:

Age

Age is an important factor that can affect lithium’s metabolism. As people get older, their bodies may process medications differently. Older individuals may experience a longer duration for the drug to leave their system compared to younger individuals.

Dose

If you’re taking a higher dose, it can extend the time it takes for the drug to be eliminated. This is because higher concentrations of the drug need more time for the body to break them down and excrete them.

Underlying health conditions

Underlying health conditions, like hepatic insufficiency, involve the liver’s reduced ability to function properly. Since the liver plays a crucial role in processing and eliminating drugs, any impairment in its function can influence how long lithium stays in the system.

Concomitant use of other medications

Some drugs may interact with lithium, either enhancing its effects or affecting its elimination. This can impact the overall duration of lithium in the body. So, it’s important to make sure that you are not taking any such medication with lithium with is not compatible with it.

Genetics

Genetic factors can also play an important role, as each individual is unique. These factors can also affect the efficiency of drug metabolism, leading to differences in how long it takes for lithium to be processed and cleared from the system.

How to ensure the safe and effective use of lithium?

Some important points to ensure the safe and effective use of lithium include:

• Take your lithium as your healthcare provider tells you. It is crucial to take it properly, so try not to miss doses. If you do forget, take it as soon as you remember unless your next dose is around the corner.

• If you notice any side effects or changes in how you feel, talk to your healthcare provider. They can adjust things if needed.

• Do not self-adjust your dose. Doing so can negatively affect your treatment goals. If you have any concerns, just talk to your doctor.

• Drinking enough water helps your body handle lithium better and reduces the risk of side effects. It’s a simple but effective way to support your treatment.

• If you’re taking other meds, let your provider know. Some medications can interact with lithium, affecting its effectiveness or causing side effects.

• Attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. It’s like having a health buddy, keeping tabs on how things are going.

• Pay attention to how you feel. If something seems off, don’t hesitate to share it with your provider. Your well-being is a collaborative effort.

As a pharmacist, I always find myself reminding my patients of these basic points which are crucial to remember when it comes to ensuring the safe and effective use of medications. This helps you achieve your treatment goals while preventing any adverse event from happening. 

If there is anything about lithium that is concerning you, please talk to your doctor. Do not try to skip your doses and try to change it. This can severely impact your treatment goals. 

The conditions for which lithium is typically prescribed can take a drastic turn if not managed properly. Your doctor can help you with any queries you may have, but it’s you who needs to take your medications on time. Remember, your health should be your priority. 

References

1. Chokhawala K, Lee S, Saadabadi A. Lithium. 2023 Feb 26. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30085604. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519062

2. PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 11125, Lithium Carbonate; [cited 2023 Dec. 5]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Lithium-Carbonate 

3. Hedya SA, Avula A, Swoboda HD. Lithium Toxicity. 2023 Jun 26. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29763168. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499992