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Toxicity from lithium is defined by serum levels that exceed the safe therapeutic window. The usual therapeutic range is about 0.6–1.2 mEq/L, and toxicity commonly becomes evident as levels rise beyond about 2.0 mEq/L. This threshold is used because crossing 2.0 mEq/L is where clinical toxicity—such as tremor, confusion, ataxia, and renal effects—tends to appear, signaling the need for urgent management. Subtherapeutic levels are generally below 0.5, while levels well above 2.0 indicate more pronounced, potentially life-threatening toxicity.