Hi,I am Dr. Shanthi.E (General & Family Physician). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
Hi Doctor. I have been taking lithium for 8 months now and noticed every time I go for a blood test my creatinine increases first slowly now more rapidly. All my other tests are in range although my BUN has been going down. My question is can lithium cause this? Thanks
Yes, lithium can cause your kidney damage and can cause linear failure, it can be of two types acute and chronic. Since, you have been taking this long it is going to chronic kidney failure.
Kindly, consult your psychiatrist for an alternative drug for the treatment or else ask them to reduce the dosage. It might affect long-term complication and can be severe if not treated.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards, Dr. Archana
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Does Lithium Cause Elevated Creatinine Levels?
Hello, Yes, lithium can cause your kidney damage and can cause linear failure, it can be of two types acute and chronic. Since, you have been taking this long it is going to chronic kidney failure. Kindly, consult your psychiatrist for an alternative drug for the treatment or else ask them to reduce the dosage. It might affect long-term complication and can be severe if not treated. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Archana