Guide To The Side Effects Of Mood Stabilizers

Kidney Damage

Kidney damage associated with the use of mood stabilizers is most commonly linked to lithium. Damage to the kidneys may lead to kidney disease. A Danish study published in November 2015 revealed short-term use of this medication doubled an individual's risk of kidney disease. Specifically, the risk increased from one to 2.5 percent, and the risk of developing end-stage kidney disease also increased. The same study concluded that long-term use of lithium raised an individual's kidney disease risk from one percent to three percent; however, long-term use was not associated with an increase in the development of end-stage kidney disease. Patients who take lithium will have regular kidney function tests during treatment, and they should be aware of potential indicators of kidney disease. These generally include nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbances, persistent skin itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, and high blood pressure. The patient might also notice changes in how much they urinate. Individuals who observe any of these symptoms should see their doctor as soon as possible.