lithium and kidneys

[S_dillow]

i was wondering if a high dose of lithium can cause kidney damage in a type 1 diabetic?or any diabetics for that matter?

[bumblebee_tuna]

I believe it can be toxic to kidneys but doesn’t always happen.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Here is some information kidney.org/atoz/content/lit....

[car103]

Lithium will negatively impact your kidneys (to the point of kidney disease/failure) without regular blood work to watch your kidney. The thyroid is watched also. Your lithium prescriber should be taking care of this for you.

[Genlady06]

bipolar here. Was on lithium for 10 years. Had labs done every three months. Finally went off it cuz I’d been on it long. I have to add I was taking other psychiatric meds as well. Never a sign of any kidney issue while on it But…

Kidneys began to decline a few years back but the kick in the pants was a kidney infection. Escalated me to ckd3b

Two nephrologists I saw over a year said the ckd3 was due to the infection. Thought they were wrong. Third nephrologist, took 8 months to get in with this guy but worth it. I told him immediately I was a bipolar. Looked me in the eye and said how much lithium. Asked tons of questions. So yes. My long story is my kidneys were damaged by lithium. My sugar was type 2 diabetes but I now only eat 80% plant and almost nothing processed. My sugar is down to normal but a little high

I do want to say I believe all the psychiatrists had my best interests in their hearts. I was warned it could damage my kidneys but I’d if drunk gasoline if it would have helped. My diagnosis is ckd3b lithium poisoning. Just water under the bridge now. Nothing I can do but eat healthy, exercise and enjoy my social life.

[S_dillow in reply to Genlady06]

thanks.im asking because i have a 27 year old friend with advanced ms and type 1 diabetes was just put on 300 mg plus 40 mg of generic prozac.i was worried the combination would worsen his condition.

[pheebee]

Yes, Lithium is notorious for damaging kidneys. With or without diabetes. The person prescribing Lithium should be regularly monitoring this.

[S_dillow in reply to pheebee]

thanks for the heads up pheebee.ima watching