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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Would Cause Low Potassium Levels In A Patient ?

Hi Dr Stephen. I was wondering,,what would cause low potassium levels in a patient? My sister was brought to the E.R 2 days ago, because she was having hallucinations. Seeing things,people that were not there. Mental illness runs in our family. Bi-polar, depression etc. She also is an alcoholic. I m thinking it is the alcohol causing it,,yet she claims to not be drinking any more. I suspect I am right on here!! Thank you!!
posted on Wed, 13 Feb 2013
Twitter Fri, 15 Feb 2013 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 15 Feb 2013 Last reviewed on
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi there, thanks for asking. If you think the reason for low potassium is drinking, she should have low magnesium level as well. Many medications could lead to low potassium as well. Lithium can cause it and it is used for bipolarity. Many anti hypertensive medications can cause low potassium level. If you and her doctor cannot trust on her not to drink alcohol, she may take a medication like disulfiram to avoid drinking. She also can join AA group therapy sessions in order to pass successfully the different stages of abstinence. I wish a good health for her and the family.
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What Would Cause Low Potassium Levels In A Patient ?

Hi there, thanks for asking. If you think the reason for low potassium is drinking, she should have low magnesium level as well. Many medications could lead to low potassium as well. Lithium can cause it and it is used for bipolarity. Many anti hypertensive medications can cause low potassium level. If you and her doctor cannot trust on her not to drink alcohol, she may take a medication like disulfiram to avoid drinking. She also can join AA group therapy sessions in order to pass successfully the different stages of abstinence. I wish a good health for her and the family.