Caffeine - Lithium Carbonate (prescription drug) Interaction Details

Interaction Details

Lithium Carbonate (prescription drug) is classified as belonging to the following category: Lithium

Abrupt caffeine withdrawal might increase the levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Caffeine has diuretic activity. When abruptly discontinued, caffeine may alter the clearance of lithium. There are two case reports of lithium tremor that worsened upon abrupt coffee withdrawal and 6 case reports of elevated serum lithium levels after reducing or eliminating caffeine intake. In one case, a male with schizoaffective disorder stabilized on lithium had an elevated lithium level after reducing his caffeine intake by 87%. At a later date, he increased his caffeine intake by 6-fold, resulting in a subtherapeutic lithium level and a recurrence of psychiatric symptoms.

Interaction Rating

Moderate

Likelihood of Occurrence

Probable

Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.

References

Mester R, Toren P, Mizrachi I, et al. Caffeine withdrawal increases lithium blood levels. Biol Psychiatry 1995;37:348-50.
Jefferson JW. Lithium tremor and caffeine intake: two cases of drinking less and shaking more. J Clin Psychiatry 1988;49:72-3.
Song JJ, Eyabi JC, Awatramani PD, Mitchell BG, Nene SY. Sudden Reduction in Caffeine Intake Increases Serum Lithium Concentration to Supratherapeutic Level: A Case Report. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2024;26(2):23cr03642.

Lithium Carbonate (prescription drug) Overview

Lithium is used to treat and prevent episodes of mania (frenzied, abnormally excited mood) in people with bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disorder; a disease that causes episodes of depression, episodes of mania, and other abnormal moods). Lithium is in a class of medications called antimanic agents. It works by decreasing abnormal activity in the brain.

See More Information Regarding Lithium

Caffeine - More Interactions

Caffeine interacts with 647 drugs

Interaction Rating Key

These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.

Major	The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur.
Moderate	Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur.
Minor	Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction.
Unknown	No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available.