Skip to main content
Supplement ScienceSupplementScience

Lithium Orotate Side Effects & Safety

Evidence:Emerging
·

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Safe with Caution

Potential Side Effects

  • Generally well-tolerated at low OTC doses (5-20mg orotate)
  • Mild thirst and increased urination (more common at higher doses)
  • Mild GI discomfort (rare at nutritional doses)
  • Thyroid suppression is a known effect of high-dose lithium — unlikely at OTC doses but monitor if taking long-term
  • Not to be confused with prescription lithium carbonate side effects (tremor, weight gain, kidney effects) which occur at much higher doses

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • NSAIDs — reduce lithium excretion and can increase lithium levels (primarily a concern with prescription lithium)
  • ACE inhibitors and ARBs — may increase lithium retention
  • Diuretics (especially thiazides) — reduce lithium clearance
  • Thyroid medications — lithium can affect thyroid function; monitor if combining
  • SSRIs — theoretical risk of serotonin syndrome at high lithium doses; low OTC doses likely minimal risk

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed: No established UL for OTC lithium orotate; stay at nutritional doses (5-20mg orotate); do not attempt to replicate prescription lithium doses

Full Lithium Orotate Guide

References

  1. Vita A, De Peri L, Sacchetti E (2015). Lithium in drinking water and suicide prevention: a review of the evidence. International Clinical Psychopharmacology. DOI PubMed
  2. ObservationalFajardo VA, Fajardo VA, LeBlanc PJ, MacPherson REK (2018). Examining the relationship between trace lithium in drinking water and the rising rates of age-adjusted Alzheimer's disease mortality in Texas. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. DOI PubMed
  3. ObservationalKessing LV, Gerds TA, Knudsen NN, et al. (2017). Association of lithium in drinking water with the incidence of dementia. JAMA Psychiatry. DOI PubMed