Deep Dive on the Modern Use of Lithium: The Gold Standard Mood Stabilizer

Friday, September 8, 2023

9:00 AM – 10:15 AM CT

Location: Davidson A

Speaker(s)

Jonathan Meyer, MD

Voluntary Clinical Professor of Psychiatry
University of California, San Diego
University of California, San Diego

Clinicians who treat patients with a history of mania historically turned to lithium as the go-to mood stabilizer. More recently, concerns about renal and other adverse effects have led some to approach this treatment option with caution. This presentation aims to provide clinicians with the most up-to-date information on lithium's role in treating bipolar patients, including dosing, kinetics, and target serum levels. Additionally, the presentation will cover the latest studies on lithium use during breastfeeding and the most recent risk estimates for first-trimester exposure during pregnancy. By the end of the session, clinicians will be equipped with the knowledge needed to use lithium confidently and effectively in their practice.

Learning Objectives:

Identify the many reasons to preferentially use lithium in bipolar spectrum patients, including its superior mood stabilizing, antisuicide, and neuroprotective properties
Explain the recent trend towards avoiding valproate in women of reproductive age
Recall that modest outpatient 12h trough serum levels and once-daily lithium dosing can lessen lithium's renal impact
Identify how to track and manage polyuria
Analyze common nonrenal adverse effects such as tremors, cognitive dulling, nausea, or diarrhea
Relate the recent safety data supporting lithium use in pregnancy and during breastfeeding