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Does Lithium Damage The Kidneys?
My grandaughter of 26 is bipolar- she has been given lithium since she was 16- there has been talk of it affecting her kidneys and in the future- possible treatment using dialose. I m extremely worried - I had a situation that almost led to the same, but I refused- and the situation changed so I didn t need it.
Wed, 4 Apr 2018
Hello,
Lithium may cause problems with kidney health. Kidney damage due to lithium may include acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term) kidney disease and kidney cysts. The amount of kidney damage depends on how long you have been taking lithium. It is possible to reverse kidney damage caused by lithium early in treatment, but the damage may become permanent over time.
Most common problem from taking lithium is a form of diabetes due to kidney damage called nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. In nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, the kidneys cannot respond to anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), a chemical messenger that controls fluid balance. This results in greater than normal urine output and excessive thirst. How to avoid lithium-induced kidney damage?
1. Avoid levels of lithium that are toxic for the kidneys.
2. Check blood levels of lithium to make sure you are taking the lowest amount that gives the best results.
3. Check blood levels of creatinine every year. Get medical help if your creatinine level stays above 1.6 mg/dl.
4. If possible, take lithium once a day.
If symptoms not improved, please consult your doctor he will examine and treat you accordingly.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Penchila Prasad Kandikattu
Lithium may cause problems with kidney health. Kidney damage due to lithium may include acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term) kidney disease and kidney cysts. The amount of kidney damage depends on how long you have been taking lithium. It is possible to reverse kidney damage caused by lithium early in treatment, but the damage may become permanent over time.
Most common problem from taking lithium is a form of diabetes due to kidney damage called nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. In nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, the kidneys cannot respond to anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), a chemical messenger that controls fluid balance. This results in greater than normal urine output and excessive thirst. How to avoid lithium-induced kidney damage?
1. Avoid levels of lithium that are toxic for the kidneys.
2. Check blood levels of lithium to make sure you are taking the lowest amount that gives the best results.
3. Check blood levels of creatinine every year. Get medical help if your creatinine level stays above 1.6 mg/dl.
4. If possible, take lithium once a day.
If symptoms not improved, please consult your doctor he will examine and treat you accordingly.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Penchila Prasad Kandikattu
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