Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My health issue started 11 years ago when I was diagnosed with mania. Since then, I have been taking Olimelt 5 mg. My weight has increased from 65 to 100 kg. Whenever I tried to stop the medicine, the problem worsened. I have had four manic episodes in all these years. The last episode was last year, when, due to the pressure in my job, I could not sleep for three nights. My mood started to remain happy, and I was on top of the world. I went to a psychiatrist, and he gave me Lithium 900 mg along with Olimelt 5 mg. Everything remained normal for six months, but now I am experiencing a frequent urination problem. I need to urinate every 30 minutes in small amounts, and the tip of the penis becomes wet after 15 minutes. My creatinine and urea levels are normal. Is it happening due to Lithium? Please suggest some better medication, which does not cause kidney, thyroid, urine, and weight gain problems. The urine problem has become a nuisance. Please help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Yes, Lithium can cause this side effect. Kindly discuss with your treating psychiatrist regarding substituting Lithium with Lurasidone or Quetiapine. Topiramate can be added to counter weight gain after discussing with your treating psychiatrist. Remember, every problem has a solution; you just need to try solving it, and help is just a step away. Feel free to ask if you have any further queries. Thank you.
Patient's Query
Thank you, doctor,
I discussed the issue with my psychiatrist. He said that the urine problem is not because of Lithium, but due to anxiety. He said that Lithium is the best medicine, and he refused to change it or substitute it. What can be done?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Though anxiety can also cause this problem, and yes, Lithium is a very good medicine, but it needs to be ruled out if this problem is lithium-induced or not. I suggest you get the following tests done: Serum and urine osmolality, serum ADH (antidiuretic hormone) levels, fluid restriction test, and RFT (renal function test). If these tests came out to be normal, then these problems are anxiety-induced, and medications need not be changed. For the weight gain problem, the above-stated suggestion can be followed. Dietary changes and exercise are also required. Hope this solves your query. Feel free to ask if you have any further queries. Thank you.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I will get the tests done. I have read on the internet that Lithium can cause kidney damage and thyroid problems if continued for a long time, and my psychiatrist said that I would have to take Lithium for a long time. So, is it right to take this dangerous drug or switch to some other better medicine?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Lithium is a good drug and has good efficacy. It is not necessary that long-term use of Lithium will lead to thyroid or kidney damage; it is just a possibility. These side effects can occur in a few people, and it does not make Lithium a dangerous drug. All we need is periodic investigations to look for any problems. Relax, you will be fine. Several of my patients are on Lithium and are doing good. Feel free to ask if you have any further queries. Thank you.
Was this conversation helpful?
Answered byDr. Aditya Gupta
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions
My 10 months old daughter has puffy eyes and elevated SGOT. Do we need to be worried?
I have frequent urination and minimal calcification. Does it mean prostate cancer?
Can frequent urination, thirst, and numbness in feet and hands point towards diabetes?
Patient with metastatic carcinoma has severe diarrhea. Please help.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder(GAD)
Can anxiety and stress cause frequent urination?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.