Is Lithium Used for Alcohol Withdrawal?
No. NIAAA lists three FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder: naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram. Lithium is not among them, and MedlinePlus describes lithium as a treatment for mania in bipolar disorder. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening, so get medical help.
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What NIAAA lists as approved
NIAAA’s guide to alcohol use disorder names three FDA-approved medications: naltrexone (oral and long-acting injection), acamprosate and disulfiram. It says none of them are addictive and they can be used alone or with counseling or mutual-support groups. The page does not mention lithium.
What lithium is prescribed for
MedlinePlus says lithium is used to treat and prevent episodes of mania in people with bipolar disorder. It also says doctors sometimes use it for other conditions. That page does not mention alcohol or alcohol withdrawal.
Why withdrawal needs a doctor
NIAAA says people with severe alcohol use disorder may need medical help to avoid withdrawal when they stop drinking, and calls withdrawal a potentially life-threatening process. Doctors can prescribe medicines for withdrawal symptoms. NIAAA’s page does not say which medicines they use, so we do not list any here.
What to do
Do not stop heavy drinking suddenly on your own, and do not take lithium or any other prescription drug that was not prescribed for you. If you already take lithium, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you drink. Our standard drink calculator can help you count what you drink.
People also ask
Is lithium FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder?
No. NIAAA lists only naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram as FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder.
What is lithium prescribed for?
MedlinePlus says it treats and prevents episodes of mania in bipolar disorder.
Is alcohol withdrawal dangerous?
NIAAA calls it potentially life-threatening and says people with severe alcohol use disorder may need medical help to stop safely.
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