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Dietary supplement

Li Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

Capsule Category: Mineral
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Li is a dietary supplement by Life Extension with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for mood support, bipolar disorder (prescription), healthy mental function.Based on those ingredients, 515 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Lithium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Li by Life Extension

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Life Extension's Li contains one active ingredient: lithium. The supplement is made with microcrystalline cellulose and cellulose as inactive ingredients (binders and capsule material).

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Lithium's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Defends against memory loss.
  • We looked for evidence on: Cognitive impairment, Alzheimer disease, Age-related cognitive decline, Memory disorders.
  • The closest evidence on file: Lithium is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Alzheimer disease (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lithium is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Cognitive impairment.

The evidence we hold on lithium supplements doesn't establish effectiveness for any condition. The data shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for alcohol use disorder, Alzheimer disease, ALS, anorexia nervosa, and asthma.

If you're considering this for a specific health concern, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about what the science actually supports.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lithium

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Lithium has a narrow safety margin — prescription forms require regular blood tests to keep levels safe and avoid toxicity. Supplement forms aren't well studied, so we don't know how lower doses change side effect risk.

When taken as prescribed, lithium is generally well tolerated, but common side effects can include tremor, fatigue, muscle weakness, weight gain, increased urination and thirst, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Lithium can also trigger or worsen skin conditions like acne and psoriasis; rare cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported.

If you stop taking lithium suddenly, bipolar symptoms can come roaring back — it needs to be tapered gradually over at least two weeks.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lithium

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Lithium.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: seizure medications.
  • For scale: 515 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check these medication types before taking this product: diuretics (water pills), serotonergic drugs like SSRIs and other antidepressants, skeletal muscle relaxants, NSAIDs, antipsychotics, ACE inhibitors and other blood pressure drugs, calcium channel blockers, and anticonvulsants. All carry documented interaction risks.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Lithium supplements are high-interaction products best avoided unless prescribed and monitored by your doctor. If you take diuretics, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, or antipsychotics, this supplement is not for you without medical supervision.

Talk with your pharmacist before considering it.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 21, 2025.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Li, straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Barcode (UPC) 737870210139
Net contents 24 Lithium (Li) Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 21, 2025
DSLD ID 328576
Product type Mineral
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Li by Life Extension, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Li Vegetarian Capsule
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Li Vegetarian Capsule
Servings per container
24
UPC/BARCODE
737870210139
IngredientAmount% DV
Lithium1000 mcg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Defends against memory loss

Non GMO LE Certified Gluten free

Seals/Symbols

Non GMO LE Certified

General Statements

36 day supply

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Precautions

To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, contact 1-866-280-2852.

Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully prior to use.

Warnings: Keep out of reach of children. Do not exceed recommended dose. Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.

When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Each capsule is contained in a blister pack labeled by day. Start the first day of the supplementation by taking the capsule labeled Day 1 and continue taking one capsule per day in consecutive order until you reach Day 36 then begin again with Day 1, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

See for yourself

Li by Life Extension label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Li by Life Extension

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Li Vegetarian Capsule Dosage formCapsule Servings per container24 Amounts shown are per serving.

Lithium

Interacts with
515 drugs
1000 mcg per serving Form: Lithium Orotate

Lithium is a naturally occurring metal that, in prescription form (lithium carbonate or citrate), is an FDA-approved, well-proven treatment for bipola...

Lithium monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Li by Life Extension Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Li?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
515Drugs
259 Major 256 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Lithium 515

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Li with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Lithium11 drug types · 515 drugs

Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with loop diuretics might increase lithium levels and adverse effects.
Thiazide diuretics and loop diuretics might reduce lithium excretion, particularly in sodium-restricted patients. If lithium is clinically indicated and other treatment options are unavailable or inadequate in patients using diuretics, lithium treatment can be initiated with extreme caution. Serum lithium should be measured frequently and the doses used should be the lowest dose ordinarily tolerated. It is unclear if this interaction would be clinically significant with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with serotonergic drugs might both mask and increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
In a case report, a 67-year-old female with depression and bipolar disorder using lithium in combination with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other medications developed serotonin syndrome with symptoms of deep tendon hyperreflexia, muscle rigidity, tremor, and hyperthermia. However, agitation, one classical symptom of serotonin syndrome, was lacking. This was thought to be due to masking by lithium toxicity. Lithium can increase serotonin levels, thus, combining serotonergic drugs with lithium might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects including serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders. It is unclear if this interaction would occur with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Ace Inhibitors (Aceis)

Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with ACEIs might increase levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Concomitant administration of ACEIs with lithium may increase lithium concentrations. It is unclear if this interaction would be clinically significant with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticonvulsants

Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with anticonvulsants might increase the risk of neurotoxicity.
Drugs such as carbamazepine and phenytoin seem to increase the risk of neurotoxicity. It is unclear if this interaction would occur with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antipsychotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with antipsychotic drugs might increase the risk of encephalopathic syndrome.
Encephalopathic syndrome has been reported in multiple patients taking prescription lithium and antipsychotics concomitantly. Symptoms have included weakness and lethargy, fever, confusion, and extrapyramidal symptoms. In some patients, resulting brain damage was irreversible. Although there is no established causal relationship between these symptoms and the combination of lithium and antipsychotic medications, there is a theoretical relationship. It is unclear if this interaction would occur with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with calcium channel blockers might reduce lithium levels and might also increase the risk of certain adverse effects.
Calcium channel blockers might reduce lithium concentrations. Monitor lithium levels with concurrent use. Calcium channel blockers might also increase the adverse neurological and gastrointestinal adverse effects of lithium. It is unclear if these interactions would occur with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Methyldopa (Aldomet)

Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with methyldopa might increase the risk of lithium toxicity.
Concurrent use of methyldopa with lithium increases the risk of lithium toxicity. It is unclear if this interaction would be clinically significant with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Methylxanthines

Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with methylxanthines might decrease lithium levels.
Xanthines such as aminophylline, caffeine, and theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theo-24, others) might increase the clearance of lithium. It is unclear if this interaction would be clinically significant with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (Nsaids)

Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with NSAIDs might increase lithium levels and adverse effects.
NSAIDs can decrease the renal clearance of lithium and increase lithium levels. It is unclear if this interaction would be clinically significant with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Phenothiazines

Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with phenothiazines might decrease the levels and clinical effects of phenothiazines.
Concomitant use of lithium with phenothiazines might reduce lithium concentrations. Lithium might also reduce phenothiazine concentrations, making the pharmacokinetic effect unpredictable. It is unclear if these interactions would occur with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with skeletal muscle relaxants might prolong neuromuscular blockade.
Lithium might prolong neuromuscular blockade. It is unclear if this interaction would occur with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Li, from the product label.

Life Extension

See all Life Extension products
Name
Quality Supplements and Vitamins, Inc.
City
Ft. Lauderdale
State
FL
ZipCode
33309
Phone Number
1-866-280-2852
Web Address
LifeExtension.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Li by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does Li by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Li has a known interaction with 515 medications, including 259 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Li contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — the safety data advises against it. Lithium crosses the placenta and has been linked to birth defects, and it passes into breast milk and may harm your infant. Don't take this unless your doctor directs and monitors you closely.
What are the main side effects?
When prescription lithium is used as prescribed, common side effects include fine tremor, fatigue, muscle weakness, weight gain, increased urination and thirst, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Lithium can also trigger or worsen skin problems like acne and psoriasis. It's unclear how lower supplement doses might change these risks.
Does this actually work for bipolar disorder or depression?
The evidence we hold doesn't establish effectiveness for any condition listed. If you're taking lithium for a diagnosed condition, talk with your doctor — prescription forms are what have been studied clinically.
Why does the data say 514 medications interact with this?
Lithium interacts with several major drug categories — diuretics, antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, muscle relaxants, NSAIDs, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants. When you add up all the individual medications within each of those categories, it totals 514.
What happens if I stop taking lithium suddenly?
Stopping abruptly can cause bipolar symptoms to return quickly. Lithium needs to be tapered gradually over at least two weeks. If you're on prescription lithium and want to stop, work with your doctor.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Li label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Li's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 26 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Lithium 26 references
  1. Martindale W. Martindale the Extra Pharmacopoeia. Pharmaceutical Press, 1999.
  2. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  3. Perlis RH, Sachs GS, Lafer B, et al. Effect of abrupt change from standard to low serum levels of lithium: a reanalysis of double-blind lithium maintenance data. Am J Psychiatry 2002;159:1155-9.. PubMed
  4. Pinelli JM, Symington AJ, Cunningham KA, Paes BA. Case report and review of the perinatal implications of maternal lithium use. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:245-9.. PubMed
  5. Sawagashira R, Sasagawa Y, Matsukura M, Takamaru Y. Case of myxedema coma induced by lithium carbonate in a patient with schizophrenia. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2018;72(2):131. PubMed
  6. Foulser P, Abbasi Y, Mathilakath A, Nilforooshan R. Do not treat the numbers: lithium toxicity. BMJ Case Rep. 2017;2017. pii: bcr-2017-220079. PubMed
  7. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/017812s028,018421s027lbl.pdf. Accessed Nov. 21, 2018
  8. Fornaro M, Maritan E, Ferranti R, et al. Lithium Exposure During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Safety and Efficacy Outcomes. Am J Psychiatry. 2020;177(1):76-92. DOI
  9. Rauf A, Gul S, Nasir M, Arif U, Oyenuga M. A Rare Case of Lithium-induced Partial Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus. Cureus. 2020;12(4):e7877. PubMed
  10. Hanna RM, Hasnain H, Sangalang MD, et al. Three Patients with Lithium-Associated Hyperparathyroidism: Literature Review Regarding Medical and Surgical Management. Case Rep Nephrol Dial. 2019;9(2):108-118. PubMed
  11. Rana P, Alba Aponte P, Babar G. An Adolescent Female with Bipolar Disorder Presenting with Lithium-Induced Hyperthyroidism. Case Rep Endocrinol. 2020;2020:1283464. PubMed
  12. Nwabufor PC, Omoniyi ON, Oyibo SO. A Case of Lithium-Associated Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia. Cureus. 2020;12(9):e10606. PubMed
  13. Landa E, Wagner S, Makkar A, Liu A, Jung D. An atypical presentation of serotonin syndrome. Cureus. 2021;13(2):e13377. PubMed
  14. Benjelloun R, Motaib I, Otheman Y. Lithium-associated hypercalcemia presenting with neuropsychiatric manifestations in a patient with bipolar disorder. Case Rep Psychiatry. 2020;2020:6630838. PubMed
  15. Nombora O, Samico A, Venâncio Â. Lithium-Induced Dysgeusia and Hyposmia: A Case Report and a Literature Review. Clin Neuropharmacol 2023;46(1):31-33. PubMed
  16. Zhang P, Gandhi H, Kassis N. Lithium-induced nephropathy; One medication with multiple side effects: a case report. BMC Nephrol 2022;23(1):309. PubMed
  17. Kawada T. Lithium use and the risk of chronic kidney disease. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2023;132(4):295-296. PubMed
  18. Yang Q, Cheng X, Su Z, Sun L, Li M. Electroconvulsive therapy combined with lithium developed reversible pure anomic aphasia: a case report. BMC Psychiatry 2022;22(1):663. PubMed
  19. Itoh M, Fukuya Y, Endo C, et al. Lithium carbonate-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome: the first case report. Int J Dermatol 2023;62(3):e165-e167. PubMed
  20. Ono R, Nishiguchi S, Kitagawa I. Lithium intoxication-associated mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion: A case report. Bipolar Disord 2022;24(5):551-552. PubMed
  21. Li JJ, Tan S, Kawashita T, Tagle CA, Farmand F. Central Diabetes Insipidus in the Background of Lithium Use: Consider Central Causes Despite Nephrogenic as the Most Common. Am J Case Rep 2023;24:e939034. PubMed
  22. Yamada Y, Fujiwara M, Tsujino S, et al. Late-Onset Neutropenia With Clozapine Associated With Lithium Carbonate-Related Hyperthyroidism: A Case Report. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2023;43(1):76-77. PubMed
  23. Bocchetta A, Ambrosiani L, Sanna F, et al. Renal function at follow-up in a cohort of patients who had shown reduced glomerular filtration rate during long-term treatment with lithium. J Nephrol 2023;36(4):1079-1081. PubMed
  24. Sarangi A, Javed S, Paul T, Amor W. Lithium-Induced Sinoatrial Node Dysfunction. Cureus 2021;13(7):e16778. PubMed
  25. Aydin D, Tural Hesapcioglu S, Ceylan MF. Oropharyngeal Dysphagia as a Clinical Presentation of Lithium Intoxication: A Case Report. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021;60(12):1443-1445. PubMed
  26. Sogawa R, Tobita S, Monji A, et al. Deep Vein Thrombosis after Lithium Toxicity: A Report of Two Cases and Literature Review. Case Rep Psychiatry 2021;2021:9934037. PubMed

See these in context on the Lithium monograph →

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

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