From the Guidelines
Lithium orotate is not recommended as a substitute for prescription lithium medications due to its limited proven benefits and potential risks. When considering lithium for mental health concerns, it is essential to prioritize prescription lithium medications, such as lithium carbonate or lithium citrate, which are FDA-approved for treating bipolar disorder. The typical over-the-counter lithium orotate supplements contain much lower doses of elemental lithium (typically 5-20 mg) compared to prescription lithium (300-900 mg daily), which likely don't provide therapeutic levels needed for treating serious mental health conditions 1. Additionally, without proper medical supervision and regular blood monitoring, any form of lithium supplementation carries risks of toxicity, kidney problems, and interactions with medications. Some studies suggest that lithium may reduce the risk for suicide in patients with unipolar depression or bipolar disorder, but this is based on prescription lithium, not lithium orotate 1. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider who can prescribe and monitor FDA-approved lithium medications rather than self-medicating with lithium orotate supplements. Key points to consider include:
- Lithium orotate is unregulated and sold as a supplement without the same quality controls or dosage standardization as prescription lithium.
- Prescription lithium requires regular blood monitoring to avoid toxicity and other complications.
- The use of lithium orotate may lead to inadequate treatment of mental health conditions due to its lower doses and lack of medical supervision.
- FDA-approved lithium medications, such as lithium carbonate or lithium citrate, are preferred for treating bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Lithium is indicated in the treatment of manic episodes of Bipolar Disorder. The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Benefits of Lithium Orotate
- Lithium orotate has been marketed for decades as a supplemental source of lithium with few recorded adverse events 2.
- It is proposed to cross the blood-brain barrier and enter cells more readily than lithium carbonate, which may allow for reduced dosage requirements and ameliorated toxicity concerns 3.
- Lithium orotate is suggested to possess unique uptake characteristics that would allow for reduced dosing and mitigation of toxicity concerns 4.
- It has been shown to be more potent, effective, and less toxic than lithium carbonate in a mouse model of mania 4.
Comparison to Other Lithium Compounds
- The pharmacokinetics of lithium orotate are similar to those of lithium carbonate and lithium chloride 5.
- However, lithium orotate may have a slower onset of polyuria and polydipsia compared to lithium carbonate and lithium chloride 5.
- Lithium orotate has been shown to be more effective and less toxic than lithium carbonate in a mouse model of mania, possibly due to differences in transport and compartmentalization 4.
Potential Uses and Benefits
- Lithium, in general, has been shown to have benefits in the prevention of unipolar depression and suicide, as well as potential neurobiological benefits for cognition and dementia prevention 6.
- Lithium orotate, specifically, may be a useful alternative to lithium carbonate due to its potentially lower toxicity profile and improved efficacy 3, 4.
- Low doses of lithium, such as those found in lithium orotate supplements, may be effective for mood temperaments and suicide prevention, while minimizing the risk of side effects 6.