Lithium is not generally prescribed for patients with kidney conditions or certain heart conditions, such as some arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Patients with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) are only treated with lithium if their thyroid disease is adequately treated and monitored. Lithium may make psoriasis (a skin disease characterized by a rash covered with silvery flakes) worse. If this happens, the medication may be discontinued.

Anticonvulsant mood stabilizers are not typically prescribed in patients with liver disease. Some are not prescribed in patients with certain blood disorders (e.g., low platelet count). Others may be prescribed with caution and under close monitoring in these patients. Alcoholism may increase the risk of certain blood conditions (e.g., low sodium levels) in patients taking anticonvulsant mood stabilizers.