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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Lithium Permanently Affect The Taste And Smell Of Food?

i hope so i was recently hospitalized diagnosed a septic meningitis before my release i was given many meds one or more of these have messed with my taste and smell i taste metal all the time as well as smell it i was hospitalized 3wk ago today have lost 22lbs do to being able to eat looked up bad taste in mouth said lithium could be the culprit
Wed, 11 Sep 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Up to 20% of patients that use lithium may have some change in taste and some of them may get the metallic taste as you described.
Sometimes, the metallic taste may be a sign of lithium poisoning (higher dose than needed).

I would advise you to talk to your doctor related to the metallic taste you are experiencing as soon as possible because lithium toxicity and overdose may be a serious condition.

I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
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Can Lithium Permanently Affect The Taste And Smell Of Food?

Hello, Up to 20% of patients that use lithium may have some change in taste and some of them may get the metallic taste as you described. Sometimes, the metallic taste may be a sign of lithium poisoning (higher dose than needed). I would advise you to talk to your doctor related to the metallic taste you are experiencing as soon as possible because lithium toxicity and overdose may be a serious condition. I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed. Regards, Dr. Antoneta Zotaj General and Family Physician