LITHOBID
Used for Depression
NowPatient helps you obtain your LITHOBID prescription for free or at low-cost. Drug savings programs are suitable for individuals who are insured, don't have insurance or are underinsured and can't afford your medicine.
Manufactured by Ani Pharmaceuticals
*You can pay as little as $0 per fill using Drug Coupons or Patient Assistance Programs. Subject to applicability & eligibility requirements.
This content is intended for US audiences only
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LITHOBID key facts
What is LITHOBID?
LITHOBID is the brand name for lithium carbonate and is available as an extended-release tablet.
What dosages is LITHOBID available in?
LITHOBID is available as a 300 mg extended-release tablet.
What is LITHOBID used for?
LITHOBID 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 LITHOBID work?
LITHOBID 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 LITHOBID?
The typical dose of LITHOBID 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 LITHOBID?
LITHOBID 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.
LITHOBID Common Side Effects
Common side effects of LITHOBID:
- Hand trembling
- Excessive urination
- More thirst
- Nausea
- General discomfort when you start treatment
- Tremor
- Muscle twitches
- Restlessness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
LITHOBID Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with LITHOBID. 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 LITHOBID
The following medications may interact with LITHOBID:
- Diuretic-, ACE-, and ARB-induced sodium loss may increase serum LITHOBID concentrations. Start with
- lower doses of lithium or reduce dosage, while frequently monitoring serum lithium concentrations and
- signs of lithium toxicity
- Concomitant administration of LITHOBID 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 LITHOBID may increase the risk of adverse reactions with these drugs
The following drugs can lower serum LITHOBID concentrations: acetazolamide, urea, xanthine preparations, and alkalinizing agents such as sodium bicarbonate.
- Concomitant extended use of iodide preparations, especially potassium iodide, with LITHOBID may produce hypothyroidism
- Concurrent use of calcium channel blocking agents with LITHOBID may increase the risk of neurotoxicity in the form of ataxia, tremors, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or tinnitus
- Concurrent use with metronidazole may provoke LITHOBID toxicity. Patients receiving such combined therapy should be monitored closely
- Concurrent use of fluoxetine with LITHOBID has resulted in both increased and decreased serum LITHOBID concentrations. Patients receiving such combined therapy should be monitored closely
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): LITHOBID levels should be closely monitored when
- patients initiate or discontinue NSAID use
Who makes LITHOBID?
Ani Pharmaceuticals
Is LITHOBID safe in pregnancy?
LITHOBID 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.
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Learn more about reporting side effects in the USDrug Savings Guide
A practical guide to saving money and receiving support with prescription costs
How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my LITHOBID prescription?
After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your LITHOBID prescription
Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.
How do the NowPatient LITHOBID savings programs work?
After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.
Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.
Are the NowPatient LITHOBID savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?
No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.
| Rx Advantage Card* for LITHOBID | Canadian Prescription Savings* for LITHOBID | LITHOBID Drug Coupon* | LITHOBID Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Insured (federal, state or government) | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured (Commercial or Private) | Available | Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Uninsured | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
*This is not insurance.
Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of LITHOBID?
No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below
| Rx Advantage Card* for LITHOBID | Canadian Prescription Savings* for LITHOBID | LITHOBID Drug Coupon* | LITHOBID Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Brand | Yes | Yes | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Generic | Yes | Yes | No | No |
*This is not insurance.
If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the LITHOBID savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?
If you are insured with Medicare and the LITHOBID drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.
If you are denied Medicaid for LITHOBID, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a 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).
I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the LITHOBID prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, LITHOBID is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at 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.
If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed LITHOBID for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.
I am commercially or privately insured and none of the LITHOBID prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.
If you cannot afford your copay, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.
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. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.
If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the LITHOBID prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay?
If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:
1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for LITHOBID
If you are having trouble paying for your LITHOBID 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 LITHOBID you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:
- Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
- LITHOBID 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 LITHOBID
- If LITHOBID is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications
You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.
2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for LITHOBID
If you are having trouble paying for your LITHOBID medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for LITHOBID 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 LITHOBID
- If LITHOBID is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications
You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.
3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for LITHOBID
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 LITHOBID 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 LITHOBID you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be currently insured and have coverage for LITHOBID
- 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 300% or 400% of 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.
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 on 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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