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Suggest Treatment For Nystagmus While On Spironolactone

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Posted on Fri, 30 Dec 2016
Question: I have been on Spiranolactone diuretic for 3.5 years because of unexplained edema. no heart disease, kidney or liver disease or diabetes. I recently noticed I have Nystagmus and am very upset and concerned about it. I am a 46 year old female . I have been to Urgent Care and an Opthamalogist. I keep getting referred to the next physician, next a neuro Opthamalogist. I read that Spiranolactone can cause this. I am hopeful it is the reason and not MS or worse. My question is should I be able to go off of cold turkey? I tried and felt like I was having a major electrolyte embzlabce after 3 days. I tried to replace with dandelion extracr. I normally drink up to two glasses or white wine with dinner. I have stopped this . No drugs or tobacco ever.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, you can stop it immediately, no need for tapering.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using HCM to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.

I checked the guidelines and all that is said about spironolactone. Yes, you can stop it immediately, you don't need tapering with it.

I also do not see that it gives nystagmus, but can give a tumorogenic side effect that has not been observed in humans only in animals but because of that reason its recommended to be used only when needed. And yes, it is recommended for the edema without a known cause like in your case.

I hope that the doctors find the cause of your nystagmus. If you stop spironolactone and the nystagmus stops that means clearly that the medicine was the cause.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Otherwise please close and rate the answer.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (21 minutes later)
Thank you so much for your response. Do you have other recommendations for a diuretic to replace it? Could the Dandelion Extract work as a natural option ? Do you believe the wine could be a problem at 1 to 2 glasses per night with regards to Nystagmus? Or mixing it with that prescription? I have never thought much of it. I will be following up with a neuro opthamologist ad soon as they can get me in.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (22 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Use Hydrochlorthiazide 25 mg once/day

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for the follow up question.

Dandelion Extract it is not used for edema, but has other indications. Also, it is not medically proved.

Instead for the edema you have it is recommended to use Hydrochlorthiazide 25 mg in the morning, which is a diuretic but in different families from spironolactone. You need to use it regularly in order to take effect.

1 to maximimum 2 glasses of wine its not a problem and it does not effect with nystagmus nor with the prescription.

Hope this is helpful.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Klarida Papaqako

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1804 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Nystagmus While On Spironolactone

Brief Answer: Yes, you can stop it immediately, no need for tapering. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for using HCM to post your health query. I read carefully your question and I understand your concern. I checked the guidelines and all that is said about spironolactone. Yes, you can stop it immediately, you don't need tapering with it. I also do not see that it gives nystagmus, but can give a tumorogenic side effect that has not been observed in humans only in animals but because of that reason its recommended to be used only when needed. And yes, it is recommended for the edema without a known cause like in your case. I hope that the doctors find the cause of your nystagmus. If you stop spironolactone and the nystagmus stops that means clearly that the medicine was the cause. Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you need more clarifications. Otherwise please close and rate the answer. Regards, Dr. Papaqako