"Lithium" is often prescribed as a mood-stabilizing drug. Do you think the "lithium" prescribed is in the elemental form? What is the more likely form of lithium to be prescribed as a drug?

Lithium is a fascinating element with unique properties that make it stand out in the periodic table. It's not just the lightest metal; it's also the least dense solid element. In its pure form, known as elemental lithium, it's a soft, silvery metal that belongs to a group called the alkali metals.

Due to its high reactivity, especially with water, elemental lithium is not found freely in nature. It tends to combine with other elements to form compounds. This reactivity is due to its electron configuration, with a single electron in its outermost shell that it readily donates. One might wonder why such a reactive element is valuable in medicine and other applications. Here's where it gets interesting: when lithium is bound within compounds, its reactive tendencies are curbed, making it usable for various purposes, including mood stabilization.

Alkali metals are group 1 elements in the periodic table and share several common characteristics. They include lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), and francium (Fr). These metals are known for their high reactivity, particularly with water, to form alkaline hydroxides.

These elements are so reactive that they require special storage methods; they're usually kept under oil or in an inert atmosphere. In a broader sense, the properties of alkali metals are critical to understanding why lithium, in its elemental form, is not suitable for drug use. Instead, lithium is utilized in a compound form that mitigates its reactive nature while offering therapeutic benefits.

Mood stabilizing drugs are a cornerstone in the management of mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder. They work by balancing neurotransmitter levels in the brain, thus regulating mood and preventing both manic and depressive episodes. Lithium carbonate is a prime example of this category, used because of its effectiveness and reliability.

Lithium carbonate doesn't exhibit the hazardous properties of elemental lithium. After ingestion, it's absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and travels to the brain, where it moderates the activity of several neurotransmitters and signaling pathways. This moderation helps stabilize mood fluctuations that characterize bipolar disorder and other similar conditions. It's a perfect instance of how chemistry transforms a potentially dangerous element into a life-improving medication.