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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is There A Difference Between Lithium And Lithobid?

My son is currently in the hospital trying to get stabilized. When he went in his lithium level was less than 1. I know that he takes his medicine. He may miss a dose occassionally, but does take it. I was wondering if there is a difference between lithium and lithobid?
Mon, 25 Nov 2019
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Addiction Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

Lithium is a salt. It is the same salt in all the different lithium pills. However, how much of the pill gets in, how fast it gets in differs even between the same pill from different manufacturing lots! Certainly the time released will give a more constant level without as many ups and downs. However, you cannot predict the overall level you get even with the same milligrams per day when you change a lithium formulation and this will require blood testing.

Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Matt Wachsman, Addiction Medicine Specialist
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Is There A Difference Between Lithium And Lithobid?

Hi, Lithium is a salt. It is the same salt in all the different lithium pills. However, how much of the pill gets in, how fast it gets in differs even between the same pill from different manufacturing lots! Certainly the time released will give a more constant level without as many ups and downs. However, you cannot predict the overall level you get even with the same milligrams per day when you change a lithium formulation and this will require blood testing. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Matt Wachsman, Addiction Medicine Specialist