Are Tingling Lips And Shortness Of Breath Side Effects Of Lithium?

Posted on Wed, 6 Apr 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 6 Apr 2016 Answered on

Wed, 8 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I recently started taking Lithium. I am experiencing tingling around the lips and shortness of breath. I have stopped using the medication. Can these symptoms be due to the medication?

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Some information

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

I'm sorry you are having these symptoms. They are not common side effects of Lithium, but I can't say that it absolutely isn't due to the medication if you noticed it starting after taking Lithium. Tingling sensations and shortness of breath can also be due to anxiety.

I advise calling the doctor who prescribed the lithium to let him or her know you discontinued taking it. Your doctor may want you to continue taking it to see if the symptoms go away, or may want you to take a different medication. But don't wait for your next appointment to let your doctor know - call his/her office today.

I hope this information helps.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar