Question posted by 2072234735 on 26 March 2014
Last updated on 29 January 2019
I currently take 1050mg of lithium (tablets) at night. I have been on this dose for years, but in the past 6 months I've been getting terrible headaches, and before I knew about the negative interactions, I would take ibuprofen for the headaches and experience what I now know were side-effects of nausea, irritability, etc.
What kind of painkillers can I take for headaches and/or muscle aches that won't interact badly with lithium?
Thanks!
Hi, 207! Ouch, I'm not surprised you has side effects! 1050mgs is a hefty dose of lithium and ibuprofen can increase your blood lithium levels.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the only OTC analgesic that's not an NSAID like ibuprofen.
If you haven't, you might consider consulting your physician about the cause of the headaches. Have you had your eyes checked?
Best wishes, WCV
Thanks, Vet! I'm relieved to have an answer. I'm planning to tell my PCP about the headaches, too -- I wear glasses, but maybe my prescription has changed. Good call. Oh hey, are you actually a big cat vet? That's awesome!
bipolar disorder, headache, lithium
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