HomeAnswersPharmacologydrug interactionsIs it possible for Lithium and Ibuprofen interaction to result in neurological toxicity?

Can Lithium and Ibuprofen interaction result in neurological toxicity without kidney damage?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Nagaraj

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sneha Kannan

Published At June 30, 2020
Reviewed AtApril 12, 2021

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 27-year-old female. I have been taking Lithium 1200 mg for five years. Last year, I got an injury and it required regular pain management. So I was told to take Ibuprofen at a maximum dose. Within a week, I developed ataxia, muscle weakness, and spasticity, memory loss, polyuria, incontinence, tremors, blue hands, chest pain, weakness, and inability to lift my legs. I was referred for an evaluation for multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. My symptoms began to get reduced when I stopped taking NSAIDS. I have prescribed them again at a maximum dose after surgery and I was hospitalized for the same symptoms. My kidney function was normal. I was unaware that NSAIDS can cause serious complications in lithium users by causing toxicity. My symptoms matched with the symptoms of lithium toxicity. But all the laboratory tests did not demonstrate any kidney problems. Is it possible to have neurological or lithium toxicity due to these medications without involving kidneys?

Answered by Dr. Nagaraj

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is purely drug to drug interaction and it is well known with lithium. In fact, lithium interacts with many drugs and it is one of the drugs having a narrow therapeutic index. The symptoms of lithium toxicity can develop even with the absence of kidney damage as they are mainly caused due to increased lithium concentration in blood. You have not mentioned the reason for taking Lithium. It is necessary to check your blood levels at regular intervals and do not take any medications without consulting the doctor.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Nagaraj
Dr. Nagaraj

Diabetology

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