Lithium for cluster headaches

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
lithium carbonate	Carbolith, Lithane

How It Works

It is unclear how lithium prevents cluster headaches. It may affect the function of the brain's biological clock, the hypothalamus.

Why It Is Used

Lithium may be used to prevent occasional and chronic cluster headaches. Lithium costs less than some other medications.

How Well It Works

Lithium effectively reduces chronic cluster headaches and episodic or occasional cluster headaches. Around 78% of people treated with lithium have relief from pain within just a few days of starting this treatment.¹ It is sometimes combined with other medications, such as corticosteroids or ergotamine, for more effective treatment.

Side Effects

Side effects of lithium include:

• Tremor (the most common side effect, can be treated with propranolol [Inderal]).
• Nausea.
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Weight gain.
• Swelling.
• Kidney problems, such as excess urination and low sodium (diabetes insipidus).
• Thyroid problems and enlargement of the thyroid gland (with long-term use).
• Confusion or other nervous system symptoms that can result from too much lithium in the blood.

People taking lithium must get a normal amount of salt in their diet to avoid severe side effects, such as very low sodium.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

If you are taking lithium, you will need to have regular blood tests to monitor the level of lithium in your blood. You may also need to have your thyroid gland and kidney function monitored during long-term use of lithium.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Douglas Dana Ralph Poore	Last Updated: August 14, 2006
Medical Review:	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology Seymour Diamond, MD - Neurology
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