Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 12/8/2008

Question
I am a patient of bipolar illness. Please inform me appropriate blood levels of lithium for prophylaxis.

thanks.

Answer
Hi . . .

There is no way that I can tell you what the right lithium level is for you. I have some patients who have done well for years at a level of 0.4 mEq/L and other who have episodes if their level falls below 1.0. The higher the level, the greater the protection against future episodes, but the less well the lithium is tolerated. Obviously lower lithium levels are better tolerated, but such levels offer less protection.  

The most common lithium levels of my patients being maintained on lithium, for the long-term prophylaxis of bipolar disorder are between 0.6 and 0.8l.

Best regards . . .

Ivan
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