rxstat › Shortages › Lithium Carbonate

Lithium Carbonate shortage status

Partial shortage

Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 2026

Some Lithium Carbonate products are in shortage in Canada (4 of 11 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer. The latest estimate for affected products to return is Jan 1, 2027.
Products affected
4 / 11
In shortage since
May 13, 2024
Est. full return
Jan 1, 2027
Reports on file
51
Talk to your pharmacist. Pharmacists can often substitute another manufacturer's version, a different strength, or (in most provinces) adapt or renew a prescription on the spot. Your free provincial health line is 811.

Reports by product

Active shortage
APO-LITHIUM CARBONATE
300MG · CAPSULE · APOTEX INC
DIN 02242838 · since Feb 4, 2025, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
LITHANE
150MG · CAPSULE · SEARCHLIGHT PHARMA INC
DIN 02013231 · since May 13, 2024, no end estimate · Other (Please describe in comments)
Active shortage
LITHANE
300MG · CAPSULE · SEARCHLIGHT PHARMA INC
DIN 00406775 · since Jul 2, 2024, no end estimate · Other (Please describe in comments)
Active shortage
PMS-LITHIUM CARBONATE - CAP 300MG
300MG · CAPSULE · PHARMASCIENCE INC
DIN 02216140 · since ?, est. end Jan 1, 2027 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
APO-LITHIUM CARBONATE
300MG · CAPSULE · APOTEX INC
DIN 02242838 · ended Dec 19, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
CARBOLITH
300MG · CAPSULE · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 00236683 · ended Sep 24, 2024 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
LITHMAX
300MG · TABLET (EXTENDED-RELEASE) · AA PHARMA INC
DIN 02266695 · ended Jul 23, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
LITHMAX
300MG · TABLET (EXTENDED-RELEASE) · AA PHARMA INC
DIN 02266695 · ended Dec 30, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
LITHMAX
300MG · TABLET (EXTENDED-RELEASE) · AA PHARMA INC
DIN 02266695 · ended Dec 2, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Discontinued
CARBOLITH
150MG · CAPSULE · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 00461733
Discontinued
CARBOLITH
600MG · CAPSULE · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 02011239
Discontinued
CARBOLITH
300MG · CAPSULE · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 00236683

Showing 12 of 51 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.

What's happening

Lithium Carbonate is currently affected by 4 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by APOTEX INC, SEARCHLIGHT PHARMA INC, PHARMASCIENCE INC.

The reported causes are: disruption of the manufacture of the drug; other (please describe in comments). Manufacturers must report shortages, but end-date estimates are their own projections and often move.

If your usual product is affected, a pharmacist is the fastest route to a solution: they can dispense an unaffected manufacturer's equivalent when one exists, and in most provinces can adapt doses or substitute a therapeutic alternative without a new appointment.

Lithium Carbonate is classified under “ANTIPSYCHOTICS” (ATC N05AN).

Recent changes

Common questions

When will Lithium Carbonate be back in stock in Canada?

The latest manufacturer estimate is Jan 1, 2027. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.

Why is Lithium Carbonate in shortage?

See the reports above; manufacturers must state a reason (most commonly manufacturing disruption or a surge in demand) when filing with Health Canada.

What can my pharmacist do about it?

Often quite a lot: substitute an equivalent product from an unaffected manufacturer, adjust quantities, or in most provinces adapt or renew prescriptions on the spot. Call your pharmacy before visiting, and call 811 for free health advice.

Related drugs (antipsychotics)

Widespread shortagePericiazine2 of 4 reported products affectedWidespread shortageTrifluoperazine5 of 5 reported products affectedPartial shortageAripiprazole3 of 29 reported products affected · est. return Jul 17, 2026Partial shortageFluphenazine1 of 2 reported products affected · est. return Jun 5, 2026Partial shortageHaloperidol6 of 16 reported products affected · est. return Jul 10, 2026Partial shortageLoxapine4 of 10 reported products affected

Guides: what to do when your medication is in shortage · how to read shortage reports

Data reflects reports manufacturers are legally required to file with Health Canada, republished with per-drug aggregation by rxstat. Estimated end dates are supplied by manufacturers and frequently change. This page describes drug supply only and is not medical advice; never stop or switch a medication without speaking to your pharmacist or prescriber.