How to Preserve Kidney Function While Taking Lithium

Many people with bipolar disorder have or are taking lithium as a treatment. Lithium is an excellent medication for acute mania and maintenance therapy in bipolar disorder. One major drawback is the long-term effects on kidney function. While Kidney failure is rare, there is a reduction in function over time. What if there was a simple way to preserve kidney function, and reduce the risk of damage?
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[@rickredmond9847]

This is a very richly informative video, thank you! I was recently diagnosed with Bipolar 1 and subsequently prescribed lithium carbonate at 900mg/day and have been on it now for about 4 months. The last time my serum levels were checked, they were right at 0.69 mEq/L. I have experienced no side effects thus far except for very slight tremors in my left hand (not that bad). How does one (or how can one) identify or recognize if and when kidneys are at risk for damage or reduced functioning? What symptoms and warning signs should we look for? I'd obviously and naturally prefer to nip in in the bud if possible. lol

[@valeriewilson3298]

Lithium orotate

[@MichaelWaisJr]

I also suffer from bipolar depression and only recently my psych said he expressed that it’d be good to keep an eye on my kidney functioning as of late. Honestly this medication has been a godsend to me especially in terms of managing and coping with stressful and emotional experiences, but also in terms of curbing my impulsivity and practicing patience. There are such extreme ways that this medication seriously helped me function in life that I really hope in the future I won’t need to replace it. I’ve had other psych meds in the past that were okay or had noticeable side effects or were just terrible and I’d like to choose to stay on this one. Physicians have not noticed tremors and neither have I. Any “weight gain” from the lithium is easily manageable and not really worth being overly concerned about. So I hope I can maintain good functioning kidneys so that I don’t have to replace this medication with another that might not be as good.

[@RaphaSpyker]

I’m bipolar 1 and was just put on lithium and Quetiapine. My doctor wants to eventually put me only on Lithium but I’m scared. I want to be only on Quetiapine. Do you think Quetiapine is just as good on preventing manic episodes?

[@emergentlyadaptive2760]

What are your views on Lithium orotate vs carbonate. I've heard and read that you would need a lower dose on orotate based on its increased absorption and easier ability to cross the blood brain barrier?

[@ShrinksInSneakers]

There is very minimal data and most of it is from supplement companies trying to sell the product. I’m fine with people using it in low doses 5 mg per day as a dietary supplement if they believe they cannot get the recommended 5 mg from food sources and are not on lithium bipolar disorder or have other contraindications. There is no evidence to support it for the treatment of bipolar disorder. When treating bipolar o stick with lithium carbonate. Hope this helps if you haven’t subscribed please do and spread the word about the community we are building here.

[@valeriewilson3298]

Orotate is game changer.

[@abid29]

Is it safe to have 400 mg Lithium Carbonate (Extended Release) in one day interval?

[@jeroenputzeys769]

My lithium is dosed at 2x daily would a one time daily dosing be better for my kidney's?

[@redfiresage]

Would there be any reason to start lithium carbonate 2 times a day in the beginning?

[@ShrinksInSneakers]

Nope not in my mind, hope this helps, if you haven't subscribed to the channel please do and spread the word about what we are doing here

[@redfiresage]

@@ShrinksInSneakers Thanks for your reply. I will talk to my provider. I love your channel and it has helped me make informative decisions about meds. I will spread the word about your channel.

[@rubywolf1239]

Quick question, does venlaflaxin help with migraines? I am reducing mine at the moment and I am getting migraines again witch I had years back alot

[@ShrinksInSneakers]

This is not medical advice, it’s for educational purposes only. Always talk to your doctor prior to making any changes. Yes, it has some data for the prevention of migraine so this may be the source of the recent exacerbation of symptoms. It could also be withdrawal from the medication, in these situations I usually increase the dose and see if symptoms resolve, if they do you need to taper off slower

[@HBD47]

drinking a lot, A LOT OF WATER DURING THE FIRST PART OF THE DAY HELPED ME TO LIVE MIGRAINE FREE.

[@kevinmartin1990]

Oh once daily is better