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Can Lasix Be Taken In Place Of Spironolactone?

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Posted on Wed, 25 Jan 2017
Question: Is it possible that a diuretic called Spironolactone that I have been taking for 3.5 years for unexplained edema is causing Nystagmus for the last 4 weeks (actually diagnosed as square wave jerks)?

I want to be taken off the medication.. When I tried to do so last month, my body reacted pretty significantly . I seemed to be having an electrolyte balance. after a week I had gained so mi,h water weight I couldn't take it. Could I perhaps replace it with Lasix?
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Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Can replace after consulting with your doctor...

Detailed Answer:
Hi my dear,

I understand your concerns.

There are a few things to point in your case:

1. Spironolactone is a diuretic used to treat unexplained edema in your case. Usually, its alternatives like Lasix are recommended when a patient is experiencing side effects and can't tolerate them.

So, in your case, can replace with Lasix but after consulting with your doctor not on your own.

Meanwhile, regular monitoring of electrolytes is highly recommended.

2. With regards to square wave jerks (SWJ), they can happen due to neurological problems. To my opinion, the very first thing is to determine why you are having edema.

If you have generalized edema, the same would happen in your brain. If this happens, pressure will be put on nerves including those related to eyes and would be represented with nystagmus or SWJ.

So, we should start thinking of what is causing edema:
- cardio-vascular? (a complete cardiac check up is recommended)
- kidney? liver? (kidney/liver function tests suggested)
- or due to meds you might be using on regular basis or other metabolic illnesses.

Hope this helped!
Dr.Albana
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 7309 Questions

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Can Lasix Be Taken In Place Of Spironolactone?

Brief Answer: Can replace after consulting with your doctor... Detailed Answer: Hi my dear, I understand your concerns. There are a few things to point in your case: 1. Spironolactone is a diuretic used to treat unexplained edema in your case. Usually, its alternatives like Lasix are recommended when a patient is experiencing side effects and can't tolerate them. So, in your case, can replace with Lasix but after consulting with your doctor not on your own. Meanwhile, regular monitoring of electrolytes is highly recommended. 2. With regards to square wave jerks (SWJ), they can happen due to neurological problems. To my opinion, the very first thing is to determine why you are having edema. If you have generalized edema, the same would happen in your brain. If this happens, pressure will be put on nerves including those related to eyes and would be represented with nystagmus or SWJ. So, we should start thinking of what is causing edema: - cardio-vascular? (a complete cardiac check up is recommended) - kidney? liver? (kidney/liver function tests suggested) - or due to meds you might be using on regular basis or other metabolic illnesses. Hope this helped! Dr.Albana