My wife is scheduled for a face lift in one week. if she took lithium would it act as a blood thinner which she is told to avoid she takes lithium on occassion to reduce pain in neck muscles. the lithium seems to reduce the pain after a few days. she was

Lithium : Lithium does not have blood thinning properties, however long term use of lithium can have adverse effects on the kidneys and liver. If your kidneys and liver are not functioning apppropriately, this can have an effect on the production of blood thinning properties in the blood. This is because the liver and kidneys have foundational function in blood production. Also, if litium is taken with ibuprofen, the risk for bleeding is extremely high. People who take litium should avoid ibuprofen. I advise getting a blood panel prior to procedure to test kidney function, liver function and blood counts with protime and inr (blood thinner assessment tests).

Not a blood thinner: Lithium should have no direct effect on bleeding but may effect clotting tendencies if kidney or liver damage has occurred as stated by dr. Rutledge.Pre-op testing may include a metabolic panel to assess for possible end organ damage.

No: Lithium does not usually thin the blood. I would check with your surgeon though, and make sure to report any medications taken to the anesthesiologist.

Lithium is not: A blood thinner. So you don't have to worry about that aspect of it. Speak with your surgeon about the lithium though. There are also other alternative medications that can be used as muscle relaxants.

Lithium: Not likely, but do let the surgeon be aware of all and any medications taken before the surgery. Wish her well.

Ask Surgeon.: Your wife's surgeon will have a list of do's and don'ts which she should follow carefully. On this list will be medications, herbs, nicotine products… which she should avoid. Therefore, best around to run these types of questions by her chosen plastic surgeon.

See your DR.: Lithium is not used this way. Either you take it daily or not at all. It is an important psychiatric drug not to be used casually. Will not interfere with facial surgery.