Brain, mood & sleep
Mood stabiliser
Lithium
Also known as: Priadel, Lithobid
Best time
Evening (once daily)
- 19:00–22:00
Often given once in the evening, which may be gentler on the kidneys and makes blood tests easier to time.
Moderate evidence
Supported by studies and drug pharmacology, but guidance varies between sources.
Why this time works
Once-daily evening dosing produces a long low-level period each day, which some evidence suggests reduces kidney side effects. Blood levels are checked about 12 hours after the dose — conveniently the next morning. Lithium also lengthens and stabilises the body clock.
Body rhythm involved
Lithium directly affects clock genes, slowing and strengthening circadian rhythms.