How does lithium effect someone who does not have bipolar disorder?

Question

Is it adverse for someone without the disorder? I wonder if success with lithium could serve as a sort of litmus paper for determining if someone is actually bipolar or not.

Answer 1

I am a Bi Polar and I can tell you that Lithium does work for me. It is not a cure all but I am living a fairly normal life. It does nothing for someone without BP. It is a very toxic substance and needs regular blood monitoring to make sure that Lithium levels are not too high. My levels were too high once and I was drooling, could not move my tongue, my jaw was paralyzed and my speech was so slurred that no one could understand me. I was rushed to the emergency room pronto.

Answer 2

No.  Lithium will have no effect on a person who is not MOOD DISORDERED.  Now, Lithium is mostly used to treat Bipolar 1...BUT there are times when it might be used to treat severe treatment resistant depression.  So a person does not have to be Bipolar, but they have to have a mood disorder to be helped with Lithium.

But if you are "normal" Lithium would do nothing.  

And Lithium does not work for all Bipolar people.  It is a very difficult medication to take.  The patient has to have blood tests, there is possible toxicity, and it is tough on the body.  So, not all Bipolar people take it.

It is the "gold standard" for Bipolar Type 1, but not for Bipolar Type 2.