There are many meds that don't interact with lithium. The ones to avoid list is pretty short.
- pain medications (NSAIDs like Motrin, naproxen, ibuprofen, aspirin) may cause an increase in lithium blood level. Depending on where your blood level is (if you are at a high level the concern is much greater) you may need to be cautious with these. Tylenol (acetaminophen) doesn't have this problem.
- certain drugs that affect the kidney (diuretics, or water pills, for instance)... you shouldn't be taking these for a cold though.
The main thing, though, is not to get dehydrated (as Jaquta said) and not to suddenly change your salt intake (for instance by changing your diet or not eating and only drinking liquids that don't have any salt in them.
Hope you feel better soon!
I don't know. You could try posting your question on the Ask a Pharmacist expert forum or ask your own pharmacist. Other people on the bipolar or depression community forums may also be able to help.
I think there is also a drug interaction tool on this site which may or may not be helpful.
The doctor here may also be able to advise. The other suggestions were there as an alternative. The ask a nurse expert may be able to help too.
Make sure you do basic stuff like resting and staying well hydrated. I think that's what people advise for a cold or flu.
I hope you feel better soon.
Is it a cold or could it be a side-effect??