Side effect of Kidney problems - anyone?

[BeeKeeper]

Am just curious about something - has anyone ever expereinced a problem with your kidneys as a side effect of the medications you are on for BP?  If so, what medications were you on, how long were you on them before you had problems, how have you resolved the problems (if you have)?

[monkeyc]

Lithium can cause kidney issues if the levels get out of wack, its kind of hard to do as you need to get into a toxic range which is pretty hard to do itself when you are listening to your doctors and following the guidelines and instructions in particulare regular monitoring and maintaining hydration.

The big mistake most people make with Lilthium is not drinking enough water and not lowering or elminating alchohol - dehydration is a bad thing for Lithium users.

[ILADVOCATE]

Yes I went through the same on Lithium and Depakoate myself and had to have monthly bloodtests but there never a problem. I asked my psychopharmocologist about a few people who I met who did acquire kidney damage from Lithium and he stated that the reason it occured was because it was not monitored properly. I know with the Zofran I take it has a potential to damage the liver so I have to get monitored for that with yearly bloodtests. And when I was on Clozaril the chance of a potentially fatal blood dyscreia was 1 in a 100 so for that there were weekly bloodtests. I was a little more anxious about Lamictal at first because of the 1 in a thousand risk of a rare rash (Stephen's Johnson syndrome) and I knew one person who it happenned to but they didn't know what it was when it happenned at first as it started with flu like symptoms. But my psychopharmocologist told me after six months that the rate went down markedly. And I was on that for almost 10 years without a problem.
  I think the most important thing is to read the package insert. If you can't understand it most pharmacies have a consumer friendly handout that explains the beneficial effects and the side effects of each medication. And a good website for mood disorders in general that does discuss medication side effects, beneficial effects and potential interaction is "Depression Central". That might explain it better to you in a way you could understand. I find it very helpful.

[bernie40]

Kidney problems can be a side effect of some of the medications which is why regular blood tests should be taken to check the toxicity levels in your blood stream.  A blood test should be done prior to taking the medications to check your normal levels.

The only medications I personally know of that can have this side effect are lithium and depakote.  However, not all people experience the side effects.  If these medications are monitored properly then any problems should show up early enough for the matter to be resolved.  Any Dr who does not give you regular blood tests when on these medications (and any others that list this as a side effect) are not doing their job properly.

Do not be put off trying a medication recommended to you by a psychiatrist just because of a list of the side effects as some people have no side effects at all or just minor ones, but it is always good to make yourself aware of them - educate yourself by reading the leaflet that comes with the medication, discussing with your psychiatrist or checking online.

I have not had any problems with my kidneys being on depakote.  I was very worried at first because I had kidney failure as a child which required 5 years of after treatment.  I have my blood tested every 3 months.

I hope this helps a little.  :-)