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lithium + diuretic


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So it turns out all the swelling/bloating crap I have been having is edema, including the lump on my leg which was thought to be a lipoma. The doc I saw today seemed certain of that and prescribed 7 days of a diuretic. I already knew about the interaction with lithium and diuretics so I asked him 3 times if it would interact and he said no. Any literature I read says otherwise.

Check My Meds returned 2 interaction(s):

Major Drug-Drug Interaction: hydrochlorothiazide-triamterene (hydrochlorothiazide-triamterene) and lithium carbonate extended release (lithium)

* The interaction is due to hydrochlorothiazide which is a component of hydrochlorothiazide-triamterene

GENERALLY AVOID: Thiazide diuretic therapy may cause elevated serum lithium levels and a high risk of lithium toxicity.

I already took one but now I'm scared to take my lithium tonight. I see my pdoc tomorrow and I can run it by him. I'm also getting lithium levels done again tomorrow. I am in the low end of therapeutic levels, so maybe it will be ok because I have a bit of room for lithium level to rise?

Am I just being paranoid? This doctor should know if it is that major of an interaction, right?

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The Pharmacist should tell you about this when they prescribe your meds. They usually call me when something will call an interaction. Do you get your meds from the same pharmacist? You should call your local CVS(insert your pharmacy) and ask them. They are open 24hrs

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I called a pharmacist. He said it would probably be ok, but that I should speak to "my" pharmacy which has my file. I don't go to just one pharm, so I will just go with "it will probably be ok" and drink extra water and take my pills.

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  • 4 months later...

Old thread, but the result was, the diuretic was ok with lithium for short-term use (a week).

I do have everything at one pharmacy now, superchar. I used to just fill scripts at whichever pharm was closest to whichever doc I was seeing, but now I keep it all at the pharm near my apt.

Dee

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