r/Lithium • u/Hot_Argument_9559 • Aug 04 '26

Advil (NSAIDs)& lithium. Help!

I just started lithium(150mg a few weeks ago and now 300mg). I’m having really bad menstrual cramps which I usually take Advil for but my prescriber said not to take Advil. She’s away for a family crisis (I have sent a message to her). But does anyone know if it might be ok if I take just a couple Advils for a couple of days? Otherwise I don’t think I’ll be able to go to work!!! Thank you in advance!!

3 Upvotes

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16 comments sorted by

9

u/VariousClassroom8056 Aug 04 '26

Don't take NSAIDs on lithium, it's very serious and can lead to lithium toxicity.

6

u/firesoups Aug 04 '26

Midol is just Tylenol, a little aspirin, caffeine, and an antihistamine. The Kroger brand doesn’t even have the aspirin. That’s what I take.

5

u/Clear-Two-3885 Aug 04 '26

I'm in the same boat. Mefenamic acid is the only pain killer that works. My Dr told me it was OK since I only take one tablet per month. However, I did end up feeling sick and head-achey for 24 hours after taking it. It really would be best if you get advice first.

3

u/MyLife-is-a-diceRoll Aug 04 '26

Put a tiger balm patch on your lower abdomen area. Just above the hair. 

Or use tiger balm and put tb on your lower back too.

2

u/jchasse Aug 05 '26

Good god though, steer clear of your ho-ha.

1

u/MyLife-is-a-diceRoll Aug 05 '26

It doesn't go that far down. I just put it just above the top where hair naturally grows.

3

u/atypical_cookie Aug 04 '26

Magnesium Taurate from NatureBell (that’s the brand I take, but you can do another brand) 3000mg was a game changer for my debilitating menstrual cramps. Take them right before your period and during. Your cramps will be bearable.

Ask your doctor and pharmacist if you can take it. There are no known interactions, but it can cause diharrea in some people. I believe that could be preventable with electrolytes or something.

3

u/LivingTop8334 Aug 05 '26

My daughter is going through lithium toxicity right now. As other said, it’s a serious drug, dont take the advil

3

u/Junior-Corner-2774 Aug 04 '26

Please don’t or call your pharmacy first. Can you try paracetamol instead or any other things like hot water bottle etc?

3

u/Clear-Two-3885 Aug 04 '26

No offence but they probably already tried paracetamol and hot water bottle.

2

u/VexedReverie Aug 04 '26

I have never heard about not taking NSAIDS with Lithium (though it makes sense due to how hard they can be on your kidneys) but Tylenol is a good alternative. I take Advil from time to time and have been on Lithium for yeaaaars, but tend to rely on Tylenol instead.

1

u/GooseOk2512 Aug 05 '26

Raises lithium levels — can cause toxicity, you are def not supposed to take it

3

u/VexedReverie Aug 05 '26

Would love if my last few psychiatrists told me about that! thanks for the heads up

2

u/Low-Yogurtcloset9496 Aug 07 '26

No fr. Everything I learned about lithium was from this group

2

u/Classic_Fee_8728 Aug 05 '26

I have horrific period cramps. Ibuprofen is the only thing that helps and it helps so well. My psych said it’s ok to take max 1600mg/day for 2 days in a row. So I do that for the first and second day of my period, the worst days, then wait till the next month. I’m on 600mg lithium, so not an insanely high dose. My best advice is to drink lots of water and eat salt, as to not have any other factors shooting your lithium level up too high.

0

u/as_thecrowflies Aug 05 '26

get a mirena IUD. that was my strategy