RT Book, Section A1 Bauer, Larry A. SR Print(0) ID 1106304556 T1 Lithium T2 Applied Clinical Pharmacokinetics, 3e YR 2015 FD 2015 PB McGraw-Hill Medical PP New York, NY SN 9780071794589 LK accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1106304556 RD 2024/03/28 AB Lithium is an alkali metal that is administered as a monovalent cation (Li+) for the treatment of bipolar disorder. In the United States, orally administered carbonate and citrate salts of lithium are available. While lithium is still used as a primary mood stabilizer for bipolar disorders, valproic acid, carbamazepine, or lamotrigine are also reasonable choices.1,2 Although this drug has been used in psychiatric medicine since the 1940s, the mechanism of action of lithium is largely unknown. Among the current theories are competition with other cations at receptor and tissue sites, dopamine-receptor supersensitivity blockage, decreased stimulation of β-receptor–induced adenylate cyclase, and enhanced sensitivity to serotonin (5-HT), acetylcholine, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA).1,2