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What Causes Elevated Creatinine Levels Inspite Of Being On Lithium?
I have been on 1200 mg of Lithium for over 7 years. Based on my latest blood panel, which indicated a high ish creatinine level, my psychiatrist cut it in half. This was 2 days ago. I feel well mentally, but physically I feel extremely lethargic and foggy. I saw my GP today, who ordered a urine culture and a comprehensive blood panel, also a thyroid test. Should I be worried? I m scared about cutting the dose in half...iam a 44year old woman. 5 5 . And 170 lbs. I drink tons of water all the time. Thanks!
Mon, 1 Aug 2022
Hi,
Lithium is used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder etc. According to the clinical study, Lithium has been shown to increase serum creatinine levels in a subgroup of patients (Source : "Lithium-induced renal insufficiency: a longitudinal study of creatinine increases in intellectually disabled adults - PubMed). Again, changing the dose of Lithium abruptly may cause some unpleasant side effects like feeling unwell, weakness, tiredness, lethargy, brain fog, heightened anxiety, sleep disturbances, irritability etc.
These side effects usually go away over time as the body adjusts to the new dose of this medication. So it is recommended to change the dose of this medication should be done gradually to avoid any type of unwanted adverse effects. During taking this medication, monitoring lithium levels, renal and thyroid functions as well as urinalysis every 3-6 months or whenever clinical status changes, should be done routinely.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician
Lithium is used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder etc. According to the clinical study, Lithium has been shown to increase serum creatinine levels in a subgroup of patients (Source : "Lithium-induced renal insufficiency: a longitudinal study of creatinine increases in intellectually disabled adults - PubMed). Again, changing the dose of Lithium abruptly may cause some unpleasant side effects like feeling unwell, weakness, tiredness, lethargy, brain fog, heightened anxiety, sleep disturbances, irritability etc.
These side effects usually go away over time as the body adjusts to the new dose of this medication. So it is recommended to change the dose of this medication should be done gradually to avoid any type of unwanted adverse effects. During taking this medication, monitoring lithium levels, renal and thyroid functions as well as urinalysis every 3-6 months or whenever clinical status changes, should be done routinely.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician
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