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I Am Not Sure How Much Potassium I Need. I

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Posted on Sun, 25 Nov 2018
Question: I am not sure how much potassium I need. I have been taking OTC potassium for a couple of years but lately (the last 6 months) I have been experiencing a lot of "charlie horses" and cramping in my legs particularly at night, of course. My potassium levels have, so far from blood work, been ok. Is there something else OTC I should take or increase the dose? I am currently on duloxetine120mg qd for fibromyalgia along with lisinopril 20mg bid, htcz 25 mg qd, b12 (per doctor) 1000mg qd, baby ASA bid along with the potassium 99 qd.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Yogesh D (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
If blood potassium level is normal, you do not need to increase the dose.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask a Doctor service.

I have read your question carefully and understand your concern.

The reason your doctor has put you on oral potassium is because you are on a thiazide diuretic which causes loss of potassium in urine. However, since your blood potassium levels are normal, you do not need to increase the dose of oral potassium.

The cause for XXXXXXX Horses (fascicluations) is not low potassium, it could be low or high serum calcium or magnesium levels.

Kindly get your complete electrolyte assay, and also get serum calcium level checked.

Cramps and fasciculations are common with low calcium levels.

Fasciculations are also common with nerve involvement.

I hope this answers your query.

Wishing you good health.

Best wishes.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Dr. Yogesh D

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 1109 Questions

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I Am Not Sure How Much Potassium I Need. I

Brief Answer: If blood potassium level is normal, you do not need to increase the dose. Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to Ask a Doctor service. I have read your question carefully and understand your concern. The reason your doctor has put you on oral potassium is because you are on a thiazide diuretic which causes loss of potassium in urine. However, since your blood potassium levels are normal, you do not need to increase the dose of oral potassium. The cause for XXXXXXX Horses (fascicluations) is not low potassium, it could be low or high serum calcium or magnesium levels. Kindly get your complete electrolyte assay, and also get serum calcium level checked. Cramps and fasciculations are common with low calcium levels. Fasciculations are also common with nerve involvement. I hope this answers your query. Wishing you good health. Best wishes.