Find Lithium And Blood Pressure

Lithium And Blood Pressure Facts

Lithium And Blood Pressure Facts in Questions

Does Lithium cause high blood pressure? I've always had normal to low blood pressure and now it's high (140/100). I've been on LIthium for 2 months. Can it cause high blood pressure?

PAC replied: "Check it out: "

Looney Tunes replied: "Hey. There is no scientific evidence that shows that Lithium causes high blood pressure. However, it is well known that Lithium causes weight gain. The more overweight you are, the more likely you are to have high blood pressure. Since you have only been on it for 2 months, I doubt you have gained enough weight to cause a blood pressure change. If you are concerned, make another apointment and have it checked. Blood pressure can change with moods, anxiety level, etc. But No, Lithium does not causes high blood pressure, directly."

Do most psychotropic medications have a likely side effect of raising blood pressure? I'm thinking of SSRIs, MAOIs, Lithium, Lamictal, and Seroquel, in particular. If you have any solid information about any or all of them raising, even slightly, blood pressure, please answer. Thanks.

nOobhawb replied: "I know that Norepinephrine is involved with regulation of blood pressure. Norepinephrine is effected when taking an SNRI (a newer type of antidepressant) such as Cymbalta or Effexor. For Lithium, I found that blood pressure is not listed in the side effects. However, a racing heart is listed under the "rare" category: Lamictal does not have any side effects related to blood pressure: Seroquel has hypotension listed as a side effect: There is no indication of an effect on blood pressure for MAOI's: The same goes for SSRI's: _______ Hope this helps!! I put a lot of work into looking those up =)"

Are there any blood pressure medications that are safe to use along with 2700mg (daily) of Lithobid? My bp has been higher lately, and everyone older than me in my immediate family has hypertension and takes meds. I'm on 2700mg of Lithium Carbonate daily for bipolar, which screws with water and the kidneys in your body. Most BPs seem to have similar side effects.

john e russo md facm faafp replied: "The most common blood pressure medications to treat hypertension are hydrochlorothiazide, an angiotensin 1 converting enzyme inhibitor such as lisinopril, and a beta blocker such as metoprolol succinate. All of these would be 'safe' with lithium carbonate as none of these would effect the lithium blood level. You state that there is a family history of hypertension but you do not indicate that you have hypertension. Your question may be one of curiosity or you may have neglected to say that you have hypertension. I believe that when you say 'most BPs seem to have similar side effects' you are saying that blood pressure medications have similar side effects. The three blood pressure medications listed above are virtually devoid of side effects. They are among the least expensive, best tolerated, and most efficacious of blood pressure medications. If I may be of further assistance please email me at. I wish you and your family the very best of health and may God Bless."

Is the new bipolar disorder drug Abilify lithium-based? My boss is bipolar, but she can't take lithium becasue it interferes with her blood pressure medication.

Citizen1984 replied: "I do not believe so. You can find information on Abilify here. Still, this information appears to be stillted towards what the manufacturer wants to present rather than all the information about Abilify. Try doing a google scholar search."

AbeLincolnParty replied: "Abilify has no lithium, its an antispychotc drug. Chances are your boss is not bipolar, but maybe so. Bipolar is now commonly used as a marketing tactic by the corrupt psych drug industry, taking advantage of people with personal problems and turning them into cash cows. Abilify is a atypicial antipsychotic drug, very expensive, and with a whole bunch of approved uses. It promotes diabetes, weight gain, ect. See the fda website:"

Can you take verapamil instead of lithium for bipolar disorder? i saw on the internet that it handles both mania and blood pressure is it as effective as lithium do you think my psychiatrist will approve?

gotta luv da Li replied: "I've never heard of any beta/calcium/whatever blocker managing bipolar episodes, and I'm familiar with quite a few mood stabilizers. Talk to your doc, though. I'm far from expert. Btw, Lithium is the most neuroprotective of the stabilizers and there's some research indicating that it may even help heal the brain. They are now looking into it with regards to other neurological disorders such as Parkinsons and Alheimers. If it's not giving you serious side effects, you might want to rethinking bailing on it. I know that I stay on it for many reasons."

Are my bipolar meds causing low blood pressure?? I have bipolar I disorder & have just came home from the hospital (2 days ago) for suicidal thoughts. I have been on Lithium 300mg 2x day, building up Lamictal (week 3 - 50 mg 1x day, klonpin 2mg at bedtime. In the hospital the pdoc (not my regular ) took me off klonpin & put me on Depakote 500mg 2x day & Seroquel 100mg at bedtime. On the last morning I was there my blood pressure reading was 70/42 before getting out of bed - then rose to 90/51 a couple hours after getting up. After coming home I decided against staying on depakote, but continued the rest of meds as prescribed. This am (2 days after my last dose of depakote & checking out of hospital) I had a horrible experiece. I woke up feeling like I might die or passout in the bed. Felt I had to get up & open bedroom door so someone would know I was sick- felt weak, shaky, lightheaded, browned out basically, daughter said I was shaking all over- was ALL I could do NOT to passout. What's up? Doc says Depakote - I say Seroquel?

sexy replied: "your on a lot of meds anything is possible please call your psychiatrist!!! and have him look into what your saying here and get some test ran on you and see you family Dr to to see if anything unlined sickness is going on,,,,"

TANIA S replied: "Please get checked out at the hosptiatal or at least phone for advice. I hope you feel better soon."

Cold meds and Lithium? I am on Lithium 300 mgs and I have a terrible cold. I looked up colds meds I may take with Lithium, but everything I read said cold meds with Lithium can cause high blood pressure. Well, it is 6:58 am central time and the doctors office will not be open for a while, I am really needing to take something this morning, so if anyone out there knows anything about Lithium and other meds...please let me know what you think. Thanks

Lori S replied: "I know nothing about the medication interaction, but I want to encourage you to go take a teaspoon of honey and a 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon right now, then take this same amount tonight, and do this for the next three days as this will help wipe out your cold. The next time you feel a cold coming on start this regimen all over again as it will help to keep you from getting a cold. Make sure you do the entire three days as you can sometimes stop too soon and symptoms will return. I found this out the hard way! We warded off colds all last winter using this mixture and it was nice to go through winter with no colds! That has never happened before. Getting enough vitamin D will also help as this keeps your immune system in good working order. Just 15-20 minutes a day in the sun (as much skin exposed as possible) will help you get all the vitamin D you need. If you are darker skinned then you may need to bask twice as long as your skin will not lap up the rays as well. Do this basking in the morning or later in evening and not in the strong afternoon sun so you do not damage your skin (no matter you skin color!). The sun can be quite punishing and you don't want those strong UV rays. The reason people don't get the flu (a true influenza, not a stomach virus) in summer is because of the sun's natural protection with vitamin D manufacturing. People become vitamin D deficient in winter and become more susceptible to contracting the flu and colds. Those who spend most days indoors end up vitamin D deficient. A simple blood test from your doctor can determine if you are vitamin D deficient. Another drawback of being deficient in vitamin D is the malabsorbtion of calcium in the small intestine as it takes vitamin D to help your body absorb calcium properly. So begin to take honey and cinnamon to help you combat that cold! You only need to take it for the next three days or until symptoms go. There are tons of natural remedies to control high blood pressure that range from eating 4 ribs of celery a day, to taking hawthorn berries, garlic, or organic unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. Look them up and see what works best for you. There are so many things one can do naturally for most all diseases or ills. Good luck and God bless."

saved1986 replied: "If your cold medicine has either phenylpropylamine hydrochloride or pseudoephedrine or ephidrine, that can cause a blood pressure rise (in sensitive individuals)"

My Mom just diagnosed with lithium toxicity? My Mother has been acting really strange. She has been confused, she has been shaking really badly, and not making much sense when we talk to her. It's as though she is like this old woman, (only 54 yrs) she i she hasn't been able to walk. She lives in a state far away, but just talking to her on the phone recently I've noticed how different she is and that she is not able to even remember what she said 5 mins earlier in the same conversation. She has been taking lithium for 20 years. She also has many other health problems being, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. She was taken to the hospital last night because she came to visit me and I just knew something was not right. She was scooting down the stairs in the morning because she didn't have the energy to walk. Today is her second day in the hospital and they did an MRI because we were all concerned that she had a stroke. Are these symptoms consistent with lithium toxicity? How long will it take for her to be back to normal? She has been taking lithium for 20 years and has her levels checked every 3 months. They have always been normal. Her levels are currently more than 3 times where they are supposed to be, this is why she was diagnosed with lithium toxicity. I've also read that taking lthium for 3-5 years is normally all a doctor will prescribe it for, my mom has been on it for 20 years. Since she has been admitted to the hospital she has had many blood tests. Her potassium was really high, she was dehydrated, and was found to have a bladder infection. Her lithium levels have never had to be changed in 20 years, we all find this very odd.

dtwladyhawk replied: "SHE SHOULD HAVE BEEN HAVING BLOOD LEVELS ON THE LITHIUM SO I FIND THAT DOUBTFUL. I WENT THRU THE SAME THING AND IT WAS TRILEPTAL-IT SUCKED THE WATER AND SALT OUT OF MY BODY. I WAS STUPID, FALLING DOWN AND COULDN'T COMPLETE A SENTENCE. I WAS GOING THRU MENOPAUSE. SEE IF SHE NEEDS AN ANTI-DEPRESSANT. ALSO SHE NEEDS A FULL SPECTRUM BLOOD WORK. IF SHE WASN'T HAVING LITHIUM LEVELS THAT COULD BE IT. ALSO CHECK HER TYROID. LITHIUM AFFECTS IT AND THE SYMPTOMS ARE THE SAME."

tina c replied: "Lithium toxicity What is lithium toxicity? Lithium toxicity occurs when the level of lithium in the blood becomes too high. What are the signs of lithium toxicity? Shaking and trembling Confusion Slurred speech Nausea and vomiting Diarrhoea Abdominal pain Unsteadiness on the feet Coma Seizures People who have lithium toxicity usually look sick, pale, grey, and weak. Lithium toxicity is very serious. How can lithium toxicity be prevented? Have regular blood tests as advised by your doctor. These tests will allow your doctor to see how much lithium is in your blood. If you have a high level of lithium in your blood, your doctor may reduce your dose of medication for a while to prevent lithium toxicity from developing. Drink plenty of fluids - at least 6 glasses of water (or milk, fruit juice, soft drink) each day. If you become dehydrated, the level of lithium in your blood will increase. Also, hot sweaty weather, strenuous exercise, and vomiting or diarrhoea all increase water loss. It will be important to drink extra water if these events occur. Do not start a salt-reduced diet while taking lithium. A low salt intake can increase the level of lithium in the blood. (Note also that a high salt intake can lower the level of lithium in the blood.) What to do if you notice the signs of lithium toxicity? Contact your doctor immediately or go to a hospital casualty department. Drink a few glasses of water if possible while waiting to see the doctor. Do not take any more lithium until you have seen the doctor. Thats all I could find on this subject I hope your mom is feeling better soon , she is lucky to have such a concerned child"

kckmellons replied: "i just looked this up and it sounds like she does have the symptoms of lithium toxicity. weakness tremours confusion and so on where as a stroke usually comes with a headache and then weakness of one side of the body and slurred speech. confusion and disorientation as well so it could be a toss up. with her having high blood pressure that does put her at risk for a stroke. or the lithiium may not agree with her meds. the doctors should have run some blood tests and probably did test for that knowing that she is on lithium. as for normal with a stroke fortunatly she is still fairly young and with some rehab, depending on the severity of the stroke dshe can recover at least most of the way. as for the lithium once they get it it out of her system she should go back to normal provided that it didn't cause renal damage. which there is a good chance that it could. lithium has a half life of 36 hours. so it should be about out of her system by now. hope this helps a little and i will be praying for your mom and yourself."

What are the treatment options for pitting edema in the lower extremities? I have tried elevating the legs but this isn't always possible especially at work. Have a stent in the left coronary artery; on blood pressure medicine and aspirin regimen. Also bipolar disorder recently diagnosed. Taking Lithium and Risperdal. Also taking famotidine for stomach pain. Just worried that the edema is cardiac related and worry about Congestive Heart Failure. Heart problems are very predominant in family history.

curious replied: "You should discuss your symptoms with your cardiologist."

vadragonslayer replied: "Sounds like you need a diuretic for fluid retention. How long have you had the fluid and does your Dr. know about it?"

terri n replied: "first thing is to see your doctor, but in my experiences usually stay off your feet elevate and you should be on a durietic like lasix. also taking extra potassium ."

sweetestinok26 replied: "Treatment options are to treat the under lying cause. I would definately go to see your heart Dr."

giggling.willow replied: "have you been tested for liver or kidney disease? you mention you have mental disease...if these organs are malfunctioning, it can send all sorts of toxins into the brain, thus in turn causing mental illness and edema. if your having stomache pain could it be upper right quadrant pain (liver?) i'd get tested for liver and kidney disease and then go from there....wish i could be more help."

Katie replied: "You should really check with your physician, especially with your history. He may prescribe diuretics but it is important to find out why you are having these symptoms, especailly if it is new. If it is a chronic problem, you may want to try compression stockings, which you can buy over the counter at most pharmacies, also cutting back on salt in your diet."

Anna Z replied: "you probably need to be on a water pill, you really need to see you doctor, the answers on here are not going to help you much. good luck"

awommack replied: "no idea"

lilyrdhead replied: "See your MD and discuss your concerns with her/him. Be sure to bring all your medications with you, and be totally honest about your lifestyle. Make an appointment asap."

Lithium question: Should I try to drop it? I have been on Lithium for about 7 years now. I'm 22, and I would like to get off of it. I feel like I am a different guy than I was in 2000 and 2001. I don't feel like I should abandon medicines like that, but I feel I should think of being weened (sp) off. Plus, I have some other things popping up that lithium does not go well with at all, like blood pressure medicines, I have to take anti-inflammatory medicines now. Also on lithium, I cannot concentrate well, even with Ritalin. My dose is really high too, its stayed that way since the beginning. 900 mg twice a day. What should I do? I have been having side effects lately, within the past year. Like high heart rate, swelling of the ankles.....etc.

Rhonda replied: "You need to call your doctor right away! You and your psychiatrist need to discuss this and find a better medication. DO NOT stop taking your medicine without consulting your doctor - no matter how good you feel. Please bring all the medications you are taking when you meet with your psychiatrist and also write down any side effects you may be experiencing. I hope you feel better soon. Best wishes."

Alex62 replied: "When's the last time you had a full blood work up (thyroid, CBC, etc)? If not recently, then you should get one now. Also, does your psychiatrist know about your other symptoms and meds? That's important info to pass on. Setting up an appt very soon would be a smart thing to do. I going to assume that when you were diagnosed, you'd had a period of serious depression and of serious mania such that the diagnosis was clear. Assuming that you are now very stable and feeling solidly normal enough to consider weening off meds, you have 100% justification to stay on Lithium (setting aside the side effects). It is doing what it is supposed to do. Being stable for a prolonged period is one of the most tempting times to discontinue meds. We start thinking that we don't need them. It's a mistake. It doesn't take too long to find out the hard way that yes, we do. If the side effects with Lithium are a real problem, you can work with your pdoc to perhaps try lowering the dose, lowering the dose further and adding a second med, or abandoning Lithium for something else. There are lots of alternatives. I also want to say that if your pdoc is not someone who works with you and values quality of life as much as controling the illness, you can shop around for another pdoc. That's always an option."

More Resources

Depression, Bipolar II- lithium
... blood pressure medication, if you and your doctor decide to continue lithium at this dose. ... Some blood pressure medications (diuretics, ACE inhibitors) ...

Lithium
... Lithium content and it is from this source that the medication Lithium ... Treatment of asthma, high blood pressure or water retention (swelling or oedema) ...

Lithium
... lithium and then come to the doctor's office the next morning to have a blood ... for controlling high blood pressure, lithium should not be discontinued ...

Article: Erythrocyte Sodium-Lithium Countertransport And Blood...
British Medical Journal Article: Erythrocyte Sodium-Lithium Countertransport And Blood Pressure In Identical Twin Pairs Discordant For Insulin Dependent Diabetes...

All About Lithium
... acid and Tegretol are also frequently used, sometimes in combination with lithium. ... However, Inderol will also lower blood pressure & reduce the heart rate. ...

Gubbio Study Five-Year Follow-Up: Lithium Countertransport ...
Gubbio Study Five-Year Follow-Up: Lithium Countertransport, Blood Pressure, and Other Variables ... Sodium-lithium countertransport and blood pressure change ...

Lithium
Healthier You provides medical and mental health information for the patient and caregiver. ... for controlling high blood pressure, lithium should not be discontinued ...

Red Blood Cell Sodium-Lithium Countertransport and Risk of ...
... lithium countertransport (Na-Li CT) is associated with high blood ... sodium-lithium countertransport to blood pressure and metabolic abnormalities in ...

lithium Glossary of Terms with Definitions on MedicineNet.com
lithium glossary includes a list of lithium related medical ... of heart muscle contraction, lowers blood pressure, and is helpful in treating angina. ...

Order Lithium Battery 6 Volt 72 Units 1 Unit from iMED.com
Shop iMED for Lithium Battery 6 Volt 72 Units 1 Unit and other medical supply. We carry a wide variety of health and medical products. Order yours today.