Posted by ed_uk2010 on February 2, 2012, at 6:26:49
In reply to Re: Lithium's Safety Evaluated Safer Than Thought, posted by crazyjoe on February 1, 2012, at 21:28:07
>why does no one ever discuss lithium's effects on the kidneys
Lithium is now generally used at lower doses than previously, which may be less toxic to the kidneys. Rather than using very high doses of lithium, it is usual to combine a moderate dose of lithium with another medication (eg. Depakote or Zyprexa) if the response is not sufficient.
Regular blood tests are recommended to assess lithium level, renal (kidney) function, thyroid function and according to this article, calcium levels. The dose is adjusted based on patient response, tolerability and lithium level. Additional treatment with thyroid hormones may be needed if hypothyroidism occurs. If there was a large decrease in renal function, lithium would have to be stopped. Fortunately, it's much more common to see small changes in renal function which would be monitored with further blood tests.
poster:ed_uk2010
thread:1008213
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120202/msgs/1009072.html