Cola Nut - Eskalith (Lithium Carbonate (prescription drug)) Interaction
Herbal: Cola Nut
Also Known As: Cola acuminata, Bissey Nut, Bissy Nut, Bitter Kola, Guru Nut, Gworo, Kola Nut, Kolatier, Noix de Cola, Noix de Kola, Noix du Soudan, Nuez de Cola, Soudan Coffee
Drug: Lithium Carbonate (prescription drug)
Brand names:
Eskalith, Lithium Carbonate
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Lithium Carbonate (prescription drug) is classified as belonging to the following category: Lithium
Theoretically, abrupt cola nut withdrawal might increase the levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Cola nut contains caffeine. Abrupt caffeine withdrawal can increase serum lithium levels. There are two case reports of lithium tremor that worsened upon abrupt coffee withdrawal.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
ProbableInteraction 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.
Cola Nut Overview
Cola nut (Cola acuminata) is a plant native to West Africa and a member of the Malvaceae family. The plant has dark green leaves and produces clusters of small, white flowers. The seeds of the cola nut plant have been used in traditional medicine for their purported effects, such as stimulating the central nervous system, improving physical performance, and increasing energy and alertness. It is sometimes added to energy drinks, weight loss supplements, and other products. Caffeine is one of the compounds found in Cola nut seeds.
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.
Cola Nut - More Interactions
Cola Nut 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. |
Return to the main supplement interaction checker page
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
Ask A Pharmacist About Your Herbal Questions!
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
Ask A Pharmacist