lithium and alchohol

just wondering what would the effects of alchohol be on lithium? just wondering since i am thinking of going out drinking tonight with friends.

"Technically" those of us on Lithium aren't supposed to drink at all because of the increased risk of damage to our livers. I personally have been on lithium for over a year now, and continue to drink socially, have the occasional glass of wine to unwind from a stressful day, or "tie one on" after a long week with my friends/co-workers.

I don't know if it's because I have a naturally high tolerance to alcohol, but I can go out with my friends, drink heavily, and feel no adverse effects. I will say the first time I went out to "get drunk" after being put on Lithium, the alcohol hit me harder than usual, and after two hours, I wound up drinking water the rest of the night, only to sober up by last call (I still had a blast though). You may be different though.

The only advice I can offer is use your judgement, and if you feel that you've had too much, STOP drinking alcohol and switch to water for the rest of the evening to help flush out your system - your liver & kidneys will thank you! (Not to mention you'll hydrate yourself to prevent a hangover...)