Does Lithium make your belly bloat?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
Does Lithium make your belly bloat?
Yes, Lithium can cause belly bloating and make you gain a few extra pounds. This side effect is more commonly experienced as belly bloating, where the abdomen feels swollen or distended (1).
It is important to note that not everyone taking Lithium will experience bloating, and the severity and duration of bloating can vary among individuals. Some people may experience persistent bloating and weight gain, which may reverse after drug discontinuation. (2)
Incidence of Lithium-induced bloating
Research suggests that the incidence of bloating varies among individuals taking Lithium. Some studies have reported a higher incidence of bloating in patients treated with Lithium compared to those who received a placebo or other medications (1,3).
The exact mechanism behind Lithium-induced bloating is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be related to the way Lithium affects certain bodily processes. Lithium can interfere with the balance of electrolytes in the body, particularly sodium and water levels (4).
This disruption may lead to fluid retention and contribute to the sensation of bloating (1,3). Furthermore, Lithium can also affect the gastrointestinal system, slowing down the movement of food through the digestive tract. This delayed transit time can result in feelings of fullness and bloating.
What to do if Lithium makes your belly bloat?
Talk to your healthcare provider if Lithium makes your belly grow. Edema on this mood stabiliser is extremely common and a number of people experience it.
Meds like Lithium that can affect your brain may take a lot of time to settle in and your body doesn’t really adjust to them right away.
The entire process of taking the most appropriate mood stabiliser is based on trial and error, and it could take multiple attempts for a person to finally start taking the drug that works best for them.
Make sure you monitor your side effects and talk to your doctor. He/she can evaluate your symptoms, adjust your medication dosage if necessary, or recommend additional measures to manage the bloating.
It’s essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider to ensure that your treatment remains effective and any side effects are properly addressed.
How to prevent Lithium-induced bloating?
To help prevent or minimize Lithium-induced bloating, there are a few strategies you can try (1):
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain good hydration. This can help prevent fluid retention and reduce bloating.
- Follow a balanced diet: Stick to a healthy and well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive intake of salty or processed foods, as they can contribute to bloating.
- Monitor your sodium intake: Limit your consumption of high-sodium foods, as sodium can increase water retention and bloating. Be mindful of hidden sources of sodium, such as packaged snacks, canned foods, and condiments.
- Eat smaller, frequent meals: Instead of consuming large meals, try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This can help prevent overeating and reduce the feeling of fullness and bloating.
- Avoid carbonated beverages: Carbonated drinks, such as soda or sparkling water, can cause gas and bloating. Opt for still water or other non-carbonated beverages instead.
- Exercise regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity can help promote digestion and relieve bloating. Choose activities you enjoy, such as walking, cycling, or yoga, and aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
If you are experiencing persistent bloating or discomfort while taking Lithium, it is important to discuss it with your healthcare provider.
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References
1.-
Chokhawala K, Lee S, Saadabadi A. Lithium. 2023 Feb 26. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30085604. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519062
2.-
Chen Y, Silverstone T. Lithium and weight gain. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 1990 Jul;5(3):217-25. doi: 10.1097/00004850-199007000-00007. PMID: 2230066. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2230066/
3.-
Oruch R, Elderbi MA, Khattab HA, Pryme IF, Lund A. Lithium: a review of pharmacology, clinical uses, and toxicity. Eur J Pharmacol. 2014 Oct 5;740:464-73. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.06.042. Epub 2014 Jun 30. PMID: 24991789. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24991789/
4.-
Demers R, Heninger G. Pretibial edema and sodium retention during lithium carbonate treatment. JAMA. 1970 Dec 7;214(10):1845-8. PMID: 5537339. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5537339/
