lithium (Eskalith)

Meet with a licensed provider online to explore if a mood stabilizer like lithium (Eskalith) may be right for you.

Treatment for:
bipolar disorder

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What is a mood stabilizer?

Mood stabilizers are a class of medication that helps support mood stability for mental health conditions like bipolar disorder.

How does a mood stabilizer work?

Mood stabilizers work by regulating the activity of nerve cells in the brain, which can protect against manic or depressive episodes.

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How prescribing works

  • 1

    Find a provider who meets your needs

    Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).

  • 2

    Meet 1:1 to begin treatment

    Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.

  • 3

    Attend sessions and start feeling better

    Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.

FAQs

What is lithium (Eskalith) used for?

Lithium (Eskalith) is a mood stabilizer type of medication used to treat bipolar I disorder. It may also be used off-label to treat depression. An off-label use is when a medication is used for a condition other than its approved use.

Is 300 mg of lithium (Eskalith) a low dose?

Your dosage of lithium depends on various individual factors, including the condition the drug is being used to treat, your age, your body weight, and other health conditions you may have. Your provider will determine the best dose of lithium for you and will monitor the dosage with blood tests to make sure your levels are within a safe range. If you have questions about your dosage, talk with your provider.

Does lithium (Eskalith) cause weight gain or loss?

Yes, taking lithium can cause weight changes, and may cause changes in your appetite—increase or decrease—which could also cause weight changes. Some people who took lithium in studies experienced some weight gain. The medication may also cause nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, which, when serious, may lead to some weight loss. If you're concerned about weight gain or loss with lithium, talk with your provider.

What is the lowest dose of lithium (Eskalith)?

The lowest dose of lithium depends on various factors, such as the condition the medication is being used to treat. Other dosage factors include your age, your body weight, the severity of your condition, and other health conditions you may have. Your provider will determine the best dosage for you based on your individual situation and blood tests to ensure your medications levels are within a safe range. If you have questions about your dosage of lithium, talk with your provider.

How does lithium (Eskalith) make you feel?

How lithium makes you feel depends on how you respond to the medication. Every medication affects different people in different ways. You should notice an improvement in your condition after several weeks of taking lithium consistently. When you begin treatment, you may experience some mild side effects of the medication, such as dry mouth, sleepiness, tremors, nausea or vomiting, confusion, memory problems, weight gain, or diarrhea. Typically, mild side effects go away as you continue treatment. However, lithium can cause serious side effects, including problems with muscle control, heart problems, shortness of breath, seizures, slurred speech, worsening tremors, and kidney failure. If you feel like you're having a medical emergency due to lithium, call 911 immediately.

Is lithium (Eskalith) an antipsychotic?

No, lithium is a mood stabilizer, not an antipsychotic medication. It helps stabilize the way signals are sent in your brain, in turn, help stabilize mood.

How long does it take for lithium (Eskalith) to work?

Lithium starts to work in your body after you begin taking the medication, but it may take several weeks to months to get to a dosage that is effective and safe for you. If you have questions about how effective lithium is for you, talk with your provider.

Can I get a prescription online?

You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published December 10, 2024

We offer psychiatry in these select states

Our psychiatry services are done completely online, so you can schedule with any psychiatric provider in your state.

Dr. Scott Gordon

Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.

Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer

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