Lithium and Ibuprofen

[kjauron]

(forgive me if this has been asked before - I could use a link to an existing thread if there is one!)

Just started lithium today for the first time, and I read that you should avoid ibuprofen. I have TMJ and get headaches/jaw pain fairly regularly, and my pain reliever of choice has always been Advil. What problems are caused by taking some ibuprofen while on lithium/how much is too much? What about other pain relievers? I don't think the effects of lithium would even be worth it if I couldn't take a pain reliever...

Currently on 300mg name-brand Lamictal once a day (just up from 200), and 300mg lithium twice a day.

[nalgas]

The issue with that combination (and with lithium and NSAIDs in general) is that it can dramatically raise your lithium level, which is not really something you want happening with something that has a relatively narrow therapeutic range between "it works" and "it's toxic". As far as the specifics and what the best solution to that is, I'll let someone else answer that, because there are a lot of people on here who know a lot more about lithium than I do.

[Silver]

I have a couple of really long posts on this, I'm sure.

NSAIDs, other than aspirin, raise lithium level by up to 50%.

Unless you have the go-ahead from your psychiatrist, no NSAIDs with lithium. NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, ketorolac. Celebrex/celecoxib is a known interactor.

Acetaminophen is not an NSAID. Acetaminophen is OK with lithium.

Aspirin is also OK with lithium (but - side note - NOT with Depakote.)

With low-dose lithium and low lithium levels, your doc may "bless" NSAIDs with lithium. Don't dabble in this without permission, or there will be much unhappiness.

[kjauron]

Good to know, I will buy some Tylenol tonight. Thanks for the info!!