Get Comprehensive Medical Second Opinion.

iCliniq / Answers / Internal Medicine / Lithium / My doctor reduced my Lithium dosage due to the creatinine levels. Why?

Q. My doctor reduced my Lithium dosage due to the creatinine levels. Why?

Answered by
Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey
and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.
This is a premium question & answer published on Nov 20, 2017 and last reviewed on: Oct 09, 2018

Hello doctor,

I have been taking Lithium XR 400 mg twice a day and Valprol CR 300 mg twice a day for the last 19 years. I am also taking Geminor M1 once a day since the last two years. My local doctor checks regularly for my creatinine level and lithium level. My last report of creatinine was 1.36 mg/dL and lithium was 0.48 mmol/L. Now, my local doctor said it is too risky and reduced lithium dosage to 200 mg twice a day. I have no pressure or any other symptoms. But, I am worried what is going on.

#

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your post.

  • The normal range of lithium 12 hours after the last dose is 0.6 to 1.2. Your level is 0.48, which is already low. So, instead of decreasing the dose, you may need to increase it to maintain it at a therapeutic level. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and start taking the medicines with their consent.
  • Your creatinine of 1.36 is not that bad at 50 years of age. So, that is something you need not worry about. There is no risk with lithium at this creatinine. So, take a proper dose. 

Regards.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://icliniq.com./ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Thank you doctor,

Perfect answer. But, I am confused that if I save my depression, then I will lose my kidney function and if I save my kidney, then I depression gets worse.

#

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • Lithium can cause acute as well as chronic nephropathy. But, you need to do glomerular filtration rate (GFR), possibly a DTPA scan and a repeat KFT (kidney function test) after six weeks. If it is normal or same, then you can continue. Otherwise, if it rises, then you may have to stop and increase the Valprol dose. 

Regards.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://icliniq.com./ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Thank you doctor,

Your answer is totally perfect because my local doctor also told that if the next report if creatinine is increased, we will increase the Valprol dose.

#

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • Yes, that is what the guidelines for modifying treatment say so.
  • If possible, do a DTPA scan to see how well the kidneys are functioning at present. 

Regards.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online--->https://icliniq.com./ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Thank you doctor,

Will my mood be covered by Valprol at this dose without any damage to any organs or the kidneys? What is the perfect diet for me?

#

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • Valproic acid does not have any significant side effects related to kidneys and the dose of Valproic acid can be increased to 20 mg per kg per day.
  • A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables alone, with regular exercises, will improve the mood as well as keep the kidney functions normal.

Regards.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://icliniq.com./ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Was this answer helpful?

 | 
Also Read Answers From:

Comprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case

✶

Related Questions & Answers


My abdominal pain did not reduce even after taking antibiotics. Please help.

Query: Hello doctor, I am a 52 year old female. Two weeks back, I had severe abdomen pain and got a sonography done. I have been diagnosed with amebic liver abscess. It was identified 13 days back and I was admitted in hospital for three days and was given saline and Metronidazole dosages, but still not re...  Read Full »

Can the lower abdomen pain be due to ovulation?

Query: Hello doctor, For the past two days, I am feeling a mild pain on my lower abdomen and having a feeling that my bowels are not getting cleared. I had my last period about two months back. My periods have become irregular since then. Last month, I got examined and was detected having a uterine fibroid...  Read Full »

What food can help maintaining BP in a patient with creatinine level 2.7?

Query: Hello doctor, My wife's creatinine is 2.7. Now BP is brought to normal. What food should I give and what to do?  Read Full »

Also Read

COVID-19 Vaccines
A COVID-19 vaccine provides acquired immunity against the new Coronavirus. Read the article to know everything about the...  Read more»
Does CD marker help in identification of blood cancer?
Hi doctor, I am a 25-year-old male suffering from joint pain and pain in the knees. I also have nausea, vomiting, gynec...  Read more»
I suddenly got fainted and woked up with bruising in eyes. Why?
Hi doctor,I am 28 years old with normal weight and following a vegetarian diet. Last month, I fainted at home and my fri...  Read more»

Ask your health query to a doctor online?

Ask an Internal Medicine Physician Now

* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.

Disclaimer: All health Q&As published on this website are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek the advice from your physician or other qualified health-care 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.