Pennyroyal Tea leads to nirvana
I am not impressed right now. Seriously.Why did nobody tell me about this?
“NSAIDs reduce blood flow to the kidneys and therefore reduce the action of diuretics and decrease the elimination of lithium (Eskalith) and methotrexate (Rheumatrex).” (Source, more on lithium)
Thank god I read. But why was I never warned about this? I’ve spoken to my doctor and pharmacist both about lithium and neither said to avoid painkillers. You’d think that would be something of some importance to mention? I mean, I’ve been taking a lot less painkillers lately than I used to but winter is coming and the arthritis-like conditions are going to kick in and I’m going to need them again. The pharmacist warned me about the prozac-lithium interaction (wee light-headdedness) but not this one which could seriously harm me?
Lithium
Lithium therapy is useful for indications ranging from bipolar disorder to migraine headaches, but several interactions must be considered. Diuretics and NSAIDs alter the sodium balance at the level of the kidney. As a result, serum lithium levels increase secondary to enhanced reabsorption.3(pp309,368-9) Some NSAIDs may also alter prostaglandin effects on the kidney, thereby reducing the elimination of lithium.3(pp368-9)
If coadministration is necessary, the dosage of lithium should be reduced by 50 percent when a diuretic or an NSAID is added. Signs or symptoms of lithium toxicity involve the central nervous system (drowsiness, confusion, hand tremor, blurred vision, vertigo and seizures), gastrointestinal tract (nausea and vomiting) and cardiovascular system (arrhythmias and widening of the QRS complex). (Source)
…why? Why? Poison the mad until they’re either sane or dead? Is that it? …no. That’s just my frustration talking. This is just all so annoying. My doctor, though an amazing man who obviously does want to help me, doesn’t know enough about this sort of thing. I need a proper psychiatrist. And maybe a therapist, though I don’t really want one of those. I have no problem just keeping my cynical life view.
I think I now have a list of things to talk to my doctor about…