lithium

Coupons, Savings & Patient Assistance

Learn more about lithium and see what savings options may be available to you that can help bring down the cost of your medication.

Options may include Rx Advantage Card, Copay assistance & Coupons, or Patient Assistance Programs. Suitable for insured, underinsured or uninsured individuals. Pay as little as $0 per fill.

Manufactured by various FDA-approved generic manufacturers.

This content is intended for US audiences only

Drug savings programs

  • Qualified

    Rx Advantage Card for lithium

    Good News! You can save up to 90% on the cost of your lithium when using the FREE NowPatient’s Rx Advantage Card at your local pharmacy.

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  • Unavailable

    Canada drug option for lithium

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    Manufactured by
    N/A
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    Option Not Available
  • Unavailable

    Copay Assistance for lithium

    Unfortunately, the FDA-approved generic manufacturer for lithium does not offer a co-pay assistance program at this time. Please check back regularly as this situation may change.

    A person holding a coupon or copay card
    Option Not Available
  • Unavailable

    Patient Assistance Programs for lithium

    Unfortunately, the FDA-approved generic manufacturer for lithium does not offer a patient assistance program at this time. Please check back regularly as this situation may change.

    A picture of a patient assistance application form
    Option Not Available
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Navin Khosla NowPatientGreen tick
Updated on 24 Apr 2024

Learn more about lithium

What dosages is lithium available in?

What dosages is lithium available in?

lithium is available as a 300 mg extended-release tablet.

What is lithium used for?

What is lithium used for?

lithium is a mood stablizer that is used in the treatment of manic episodes of bipolar disorder or the long-term maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder.

How does lithium work?

How does lithium work?

lithium is a mood stabilizer. It’s not known exactly how lithium works, but it’s thought to affect the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that regulate mood.

How do I take lithium?

How do I take lithium?

The typical dose of lithium is 900 mg by mouth 2 times a day, or 600 mg 3 times a day. The total daily dose is 1,800 mg.
For long-term control: The typical dose is 600 mg by mouth 2 times a day. The total daily dose is 1,200 mg. Your provider will adjust your lithium dose based on if you have kidney problems, how well your bipolar symptoms are responding to the medication, if you’re having side effects, and your blood lithium level.

Is it safe for me to take lithium?

Is it safe for me to take lithium?

lithium is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.

lithium Common Side Effects

lithium Common Side Effects

Common side effects of lithium:

  • Hand trembling
  • Excessive urination
  • More thirst
  • Nausea
  • General discomfort when you start treatment
  • Tremor
  • Muscle twitches
  • Restlessness
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
lithium Serious Side Effects

lithium Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects are rare with lithium. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, dizziness, sweating, flushing, tremor (shakiness), muscle stiffness, muscle twitching or spasms, uncoordinated movement, distress, seizures, hallucinations, coma
  • Lithium toxicity: trouble breathing, seizures, coma, kidney failure, abnormal heart rhythm, dizziness, confusion, blurry vision, poor balance, poor speech, poor coordination
  • Kidney damage: more frequent urination, swelling in legs, fatigue
  • High pressure in the brain and swelling in the eye: severe headaches behind eyes, ringing in the ears, blurred or double vision, and blindness
  • Low blood sodium levels: nausea, fatigue, headache, confusion, disoriented, hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t real), seizures, unconsciousness
  • High blood calcium levels: fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, bone pain, depression, confusion
  • Brugada syndrome (life-threatening heart rhythm problem): abnormal ECG findings, unexplained fainting, and irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on lithium

Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on lithium

The following medications may interact with lithium:

  • Diuretic-, ACE-, and ARB-induced sodium loss may increase serum lithium concentrations. Start with
  • lower doses of lithium or reduce dosage, while frequently monitoring serum lithium concentrations and
  • signs of lithium toxicity
  • Concomitant administration of lithium with serotonergic drugs can precipitate serotonin syndrome. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly during lithium initiation. Examples of serotonergic drugs include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)
  • Concomitant administration of methyldopa, phenytoin, or carbamazepine with lithium may increase the risk of adverse reactions with these drugs

The following drugs can lower serum lithium concentrations: acetazolamide, urea, xanthine preparations, and alkalinizing agents such as sodium bicarbonate.

  • Concomitant extended use of iodide preparations, especially potassium iodide, with lithium may produce hypothyroidism
  • Concurrent use of calcium channel blocking agents with lithium may increase the risk of neurotoxicity in the form of ataxia, tremors, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or tinnitus
  • Concurrent use with metronidazole may provoke lithium toxicity. Patients receiving such combined therapy should be monitored closely
  • Concurrent use of fluoxetine with lithium has resulted in both increased and decreased serum lithium concentrations. Patients receiving such combined therapy should be monitored closely

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): lithium levels should be closely monitored when

  • patients initiate or discontinue NSAID use
Who makes lithium?

Who makes lithium?

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

Is lithium safe in pregnancy?

Is lithium safe in pregnancy?

lithium may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication if you are pregnant.

pill

What to do if you missed your lithium dose

The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.

Learn more about reporting side effects

What can I do if I am commercially insured but cannot afford my lithium?

If you are commercially insured and you cannot afford your copay or co-insurance you can opt for purchasing lithium outside of your plan using the Rx Advantage card, with costs that are usually lower than a typical plan copay. If you elect to use this method, out of pocket costs do not contribute towards your plan deductibles.

If you cannot afford the cash price possibly due to income constraints, then there is the option of applying to state assistance programs like Medicaid. Often, you may be able to receive your lithium without any costs at all. You can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following this link HealthCare.gov. The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application.

What can I do if I am uninsured and cannot afford my lithium?

If you cannot afford the cash price of lithium using the Rx Advantage card then there is the option of applying to state programs like Medicaid. Often, you may be able to receive your lithium without any costs at all. You can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following this link HealthCare.gov. The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application.

What can I do if I am insured with Medicare and cannot afford my lithium?

If you are insured with Medicare and have Part D or an Advantage drug plan but cannot afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you have a number of options:

Option

Savings Information

RX ADVANTAGE CARD

You can use the Rx Advantage to purchase the medication outside of your plan at prices that may be lower than you copay or co-insurance element. If you elect to use this method, out of pocket costs do not contribute towards your plan deductibles.

LOW INCOME SUBSIDY

If this is still too expensive or unaffordable then you can apply for federal support like Low Income Subsidy (LIS). To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

MEDICAID

Alternatively, you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following this link to the HealthCare.gov. The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

Am I eligible for the Rx Advantage Card and how much does lithium cost without insurance?

Our website gives savings options to customers who wish to purchase lithium, as either a brand or generic, without the constraints of insurance. By using the Rx Advantage Card, users can save up to 90% on the cost of their medication. The card can be used at over 65,000 pharmacies nationwide, across America. Even if you are insured, in most cases the cash price will be significantly cheaper than your existing co-pay. NowPatient is able to negotiate discounts on bulk drug purchases with pharmacy owners meaning you can access lower medication prices at nearby pharmacies using our card that can be conveniently stored in your NowPatient account.

What will my out-of-pocket cost be for lithium when using the Rx Advantage Card?

Your out-of-pocket (OOP) cost will effectively be the discounted cash price you pay for lithium using the Rx Advantage Card. If you are insured, your OOP expense can not be used against your plan deductible, if your plan has a deductible.

Yes. The Rx Advantage card is especially useful for people who have High-deductible health plans (HDHPs). It can be used for insured, uninsured, and underinsured persons.

Does the Rx Advantage Card work with Medicare or any other federal or state insurance plans?

No. We do not bill any federal or state insurance including Medicare Part D (standalone drug coverage) or Medicare Advantage (combined health and drug benefit). When you purchase your medication using the NowPatient Rx Advantage Card, you will be doing so out of pocket. The spend will not count towards your plan deductibles or gaps in the event you have a plan with a deductible. The out-of-pocket lithium cash price you pay can be typically cheaper than your plan copay.

Does the Rx Advantage Card work with Commercial Insurance?

We do not bill your commercial insurance. When you purchase your medication using the Rx Advantage Card, from NowPatient, you will be doing so out of your pocket. The spend will not count towards your plan deductibles or gaps in the event you have a plan with a deductible. The out-of-pocket lithium cash price you pay can be typically cheaper than your plan copay.

How do I check prices for lithium and how do I use the Rx Advantage Card?

You can search for the prices at nearby pharmacies using our website. Simply search your medication and enter your ZIP Code and we will show you the price of your drug at nearby pharmacies. If you are happy with the quote, you need to create an account with NowPatient and generate your card. Next, simply go to the pharmacy and fill your lithium Rx. Ask the pharmacy to run the card and check the price, even if they tell you they have another card they use. Your card is stored safely in your NowPatient account.

Do I need to pay for the Rx Advantage Card?

No. The Rx Advantage prescription savings card is FREE to use and store for NowPatient users.

Is there a lithium co-pay program?

Generic medications like lithium do not have co-pay card savings options. A Copay program, if available, would normally be for the brand name version of lithium. You can search the brand name of lithium and check to see if a co-pay program exists. Co-pay cards are programs run by pharmaceutical companies that offer you a direct way to lower your out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs for eligible patients. The copay cards essentially allow physicians to prescribe medications that are clinically preferred.

Is there a lithium Patient Assistance Program (PAP)?

Generic medications like lithium do not have PAP savings options. A Patient assistance program, if available would normally be for the brand name version of lithium. You can search the brand name of lithium and check to see if a co-PAP exists. PAPs are programs that are run and sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. They offer uninsured, insured, or underinsured individuals access to high-cost brand-name medications, which may otherwise be unaffordable.

I am insured but I do not qualify for patient assistance or copay assistance for lithium. Is there any other form of assistance that can help with the costs of my existing copays or co-insurance?

There are a number of resources available such as charitable foundations that may be able to provide assistance for your lithium:

Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for lithium

If you are having trouble paying for your lithium medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for lithium you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:

  • Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
  • lithium is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
  • You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
  • You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers lithium
  • If lithium is listed on PAN's list of covered medications

You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.

HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for lithium

If you are having trouble paying for your lithium medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for lithium you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • You live in and are being treated in the United States
  • You are insured and your plan covers lithium
  • If lithium is listed on the HealthWell Foundation's list of covered medications

You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.

Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for lithium

Patient Advocate Foundation's Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your lithium treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for lithium you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • You must be currently insured and have coverage for lithium
  • You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
  • You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
  • Your Income must fall at or below 3000r 4000f the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
  • Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.

You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.

Can I buy my lithium from Canada?

Americans pay at least twice as much (in fact 218%) on prescription medications than individuals in other countries, like Canada. The reason why Canada drugs are cheaper is that Canada regulates its prescription medication drug prices (the Patented Medicines Prices Review Board) meaning that consumers pay less for their lithium. This prevents pharmaceutical patentees from charging excessive prices.

As well, many Canadian drugs are likely produced by exactly the same companies in the same factories, as US prescription drugs.

We have partnered with Prescription Help in Canada that carries thousands of branded and generic medications. If there is an option for lithium from Canada, then we will provide this as an Rx savings option to you.

Is it safe for me to buy my lithium from Prescription Help, Canada?

If you purchase lithium from Canadian Prescription Help, then there is little reason to worry about safety since it is likely that the drugs will be the same ones you would get from your American drugstore, and would have undergone the same rigorous testing as the American counterparts. Canada drugs are regulated for safety, efficacy and quality by Health Canada, which is the Canadian equivalent of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you are unsure, you can discuss this option with your physician, especially if you find it difficult affording your medications and may therefore risk not being treated.

Rest assured, NowPatient has done thorough due diligence on Prescription Help, to ensure that the service is adequately licensed, regulated and safe.

We have checked and verified that Prescription Help:

  • Is a licensed pharmacy in Canada.
  • Will only fill your lithium if you have a valid prescription.
  • Has a licensed pharmacist on staff to answer your questions.
  • Does not send medicine that looks different than what you receive at your usual drug store, nor does it arrive in packaging that is damaged, in a foreign language, has no expiration date, or is expired.
  • Does not charge you for products that you never ordered or received.
  • Provides clear written protections for your personal and financial information, including credit card numbers.
  • Maintains the highest standards of data security and compliance.
  • Does not sell your information to other websites.
  • Does not supply controlled substances.
  • Does not supply any products on an FDA Import Alert.
  • Quantities are restricted to a maximum of 3 month's supply for international orders.
  • Publishes contact information on website for customer service.

Is ordering lithium from a Canadian Pharmacy legal?

Although it is technically not legal for individuals to import prescription drugs, It is notable that U.S. government officials have stated that individuals who procure non-controlled prescription drugs from Canada or other foreign sources for up to a three-month supply for their own use are not pursued or prosecuted. There are hundreds of thousands of American patients who have used or continue to use Canadian pharmacies to procure their medications at significant discounts. Often the price of medications can be the difference between getting treated or not being treated.

How do I place an order for lithium from Prescription Help, Canada?

If your medication is available from our partner Canadian Pharmacy, then we will show it as an option. You can search for the product by pack size, strength or form and then see the price for lithium. If you are happy with the price, you can proceed to the checkout. This will take you to the Prescription Help website, from where you can complete the process. Prescription Help is not connected to NowPatient other than as an affiliate partner which offers services that may benefit NowPatient users. It is not insurance, any payments are strictly cash and are considered out-of-pocket.

What should I do if I take too much lithium?

Call your doctor right away or seek immediate medical attention if your symptoms do not improve or they become worse after using lithium. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource if you think you've used too much lithium. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

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Medical Disclaimer

NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information in this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.

The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.

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