Lithium is the first-line treatment for Bipolar Disorder recommended by NICE.
In the current BMJ it is reported that the manfacturers, Essential Pharma, intend to withdraw PRIADEL the widely used preparation of Lithium in April next year. This is a drug used to maintain mood stability and most patients will have been taking it for years. Another, considerably more expensive, preparation made by the same company is available but there are risks associated with the change. Patients, professionals and Government need to oppose this commercially driven imposition.