Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

7,120 Members
126,456 Posts
2 Online
Mental Health
/ Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Kidney Insufficiency

deleted_user
deleted_user
So I finally feel like my meds are the right fit and along comes the diagnosis of Kidney insufficiency. They are talking a change now and I am sooooo scared. Has any one else gone through this? I'm thinking how long til a kidney goes bad anyway. Its not kidney failure or anything. A common word in bipolar land insufficiency. I DO NOT WANT TO CHANGE MY MEDS! Somebody please tell me there is an alternative!
deleted_user
deleted_user
COme on my friends please give some experience strength and hope here
deleted_user
deleted_user
The Topomax is of concern. There is precaution to be taken in anyone with renal insufficiency. You will need to have your urine monitored for BUN/creatinine every 3 mos just to be safe. This drug poses risk for nephrotoxicity and in someone with impaired kidney function, the risk is obviously greater. You'll probably have to come down to half dose or else be switched to another anticonvulsant such as Lamictal.
deleted_user
deleted_user
All drugs have the capacity of causing renal problems as that's the route most of them are excreted. Anybody taking any drugs should have blood work done once a year as part of a physical or more often if the drug is a known renal toxic compound. Only by looking at the lab values can you determine your level of renal insufficiency. You might not have to change your drugs if the benefits outweigh a mild case of renal insufficiency. For example I have a white blood cell count of 2.4 when the usual is 4.8 to 10.8, however I'm asymptomatic so don't need to have my meds changed.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Kidney failure or complications come from Lithium intake. A few other drugs will damage your kidneys, too. She never mentioned what drugs she's on!
Drugs like Tegretol will mimic lithium and you won't have to go for blood work.
Gapapentin is another one.
Change your meds, if it's affecting your kidneys/liver.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I take lots of them topomax, invega, clonazepam and zoloft. I know the topomax could be the culprit but I do not know about the rest.
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • irishwriter

    come unwind in the bp lounge

    Posted by: irishwriter
    Last Reply: kisses2016
    7992
    theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
  • Rizen

    Walk a Day

    Posted by: Rizen
    Last Reply: mujicaptsd
    2573
    I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...