Lithium: here's the fair price
This is what US pharmacies pay, on average, for lithium. Use it to spot a fair cash price, and feel good about asking for one.
Lithium Carbonate 150 Mg Cap
A fair cash price is usually this cost plus a dispensing fee. If your quote is many times higher, ask about a generic, another pharmacy, or a cash discount.
Ask for generic Lithium Carbonate 150 Mg Cap. Pharmacies pay about $2.92 for 30. Ask your pharmacy for its cash price and compare it with your copay. A fair cash price is close to this cost plus a dispensing fee.
Source: CMS NADAC as of 2026-11-04. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic is right for you.
Source: CMS NADAC weekly file as of 2026-11-04. Median across NDCs with the same description. Public domain.
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Every strength and form
| Product | Pharmacy cost | 30 count | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|
| LITHIUM CARBONATE 150 MG CAPGeneric | $0.10 per tablet or capsule | $2.92 | 10/21/2026 |
| LITHIUM CARBONATE 300 MG CAPGeneric | $0.11 per tablet or capsule | $3.39 | 10/21/2026 |
| LITHIUM CARBONATE 300 MG TABGeneric | $0.19 per tablet or capsule | $5.74 | 10/21/2026 |
| LITHIUM CARBONATE ER 300 MG TBGeneric | $0.19 per tablet or capsule | $5.77 | 10/21/2026 |
| LITHIUM CARBONATE 600 MG CAPGeneric | $0.24 per tablet or capsule | $7.27 | 10/21/2026 |
| LITHIUM CARBONATE ER 450 MG TBGeneric | $0.26 per tablet or capsule | $7.83 | 10/21/2026 |
| LITHIUM 8 MEQ/5 ML SOLUTIONGeneric | $0.44 per mL | n/a | 10/21/2026 |
Source: CMS NADAC, as of 2026-11-04. National average acquisition cost, not a retail quote.
Label basics
What it is used for (FDA label)
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Lithium is a mood-stabilizing agent indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of bipolar I disorder: • Treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes in patients 7 years and older [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] • Maintenance treatment in patients 7 years and older [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] Lithium is a mood-stabilizing agent indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of bipolar I disorder: • Treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes in patients 7 years and older ( 1 ) • Maintenance treatment in patients 7 years and older ( 1 )
Common side effects (FDA label)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are described in greater detail in other sections: • Acute Lithium Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Lithium-Induced Polyuria [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Hyponatremia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • Lithium-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Encephalopathic Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] • Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] • Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] • Hypercalcemia and...
Drug interactions (from the label)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Diuretics, NSAID, renin-angiotensin system antagonists, or metronidazole may increase lithium serum concentrations. Recommend frequent monitoring of serum lithium concentration and adjust dosage when necessary. ( 2.3 , 7.1 ) • Serotonergic Agents: Increased risk of serotonin syndrome when co-administered with lithium. ( 5.6 , 7.1 ) • Antipsychotics: There have been reports of neurologic adverse reactions in patients treated with lithium and an antipsychotic, ranging from extrapyramidal symptoms to neuroleptic malignant syndrome. ( 5.5 , 7.1 ) 7.1 Drugs Having Clinically Important Interactions with Lithium Table 4: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Lithium...
Warnings (from the label)
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Lithium-Induced Polyuria: May develop during initiation of treatment. Increases risk of lithium toxicity. Educate patient to avoid dehydration. Monitor for lithium toxicity and metabolic acidosis. Discontinue lithium or treat with amiloride as a therapeutic agent ( 5.2 ). • Hyponatremia: Symptoms are more severe with faster-onset hyponatremia. Dehydration from protracted sweating, diarrhea, or elevated temperatures from infection increases risk of hyponatremia and lithium toxicity. Educate patients on maintaining a normal diet with salt and staying hydrated. Monitor for and treat hyponatremia and lithium toxicity, which may necessitate a temporary reduction or...
Source: FDA drug label via openFDA, label effective 2026-04-27. Full label on DailyMed. Excerpts are verbatim and truncated. Read the full label and ask your pharmacist.