Kidney problems from meds: Reversible?

[lindsayschu2]

Hey all--been a while since I've been here! Has anyone had (or heard of someone who has) had a lowered kidney function blood test? Just got results online and I'm showing mild kidney failure (every other test has been completely normal until now). I'm thinking (hoping) it may be a result of Keppra, or less likely, Topamax. If you've experienced any kidney issues on a med and know if this can be reversible by switching, I'd love to know--I can't talk to my doctor until Monday.

 

[Porkette]

Hi Lindsay,

I've had kidney problems twice all do to my seizure meds. My Dr. had to take me off the med and change meds and I was in a lot of pain. My Dr. told me to drink at least 1 liter of fluid a day and to be sure to drink cranberry juice to help. Once I got off the tegretol that caused the problem and went on another med the kidney problems ended. I wish you the best of luck and May God Bless You!

Sue

 

[txtiger]

I had been on Trileptal for several years prior to my surgery. Under a previous neuro, my GP found in blood work that my levels were slightly low. Then, right before my surgery, my epileptologist saw something he didn't like in the levels, so after surgery he switched me to Lamictal (no longer on that one). That solved the problem.

I've been on Keppra/Keppra XR for around 15 years, and neither my neuro nor my epileptologist have seemed to think it was associated with low kidney function.

 

[lindsayschu2]

Thank you to you both!! I just called the office and they informed me that the doctor I was seeing left the practice, and none of the other neuros generally answer patient calls--they will ask that I set a new patient appointment (Their doctors are seeing patients back to back and are too busy for calls). This is total BS--not MY problem if their doctor leaves the practice! I can't wait 2 months to get in (driving an hour each way) to get someone to answer a question about my labwork their office ordered. SO mad.

 

[Nakamova]

That's terrible. Is their someone who manages the practice that you can complain to?

 

[masterjen]

You could consider going back to your family doctor and asking for a referral to a urologist. Perhaps it is quicker to get in to see one of these specialists. He/she may not know much about epilepsy itself, but will at least be able to take a more detailed look at the kidney function issue and provide some recommendations to you and whoever your new neurologist will be.

 

[lindsayschu2]

Nak--I don't know--she said someone "might call me, might not. If not, you will have to set a new patient appointment." I've been waiting all day to see if someone would. In the meantime I put a call into my GP and had the results sent to him, who was the one who finally figured out Topamax was causing hypokalemia (a good man). Jen, I'd like someone to call and tell me if this is even anything to worry about first--maybe GFR can be affected by . . . dehydration, or testing inaccuracies, or ? I don't want to freak out until I've had one conversation with one doctor about the results, you know? My number was 89, which is listed as the beginning of mild kidney failure. It was 109 a year ago and that's been about what it's been for the past several years.

 

[Porkette]

Hi Lindsay,
I'm sorry that your Dr. left you like that to me that's not very professional. You can as you GP to refer you to a Epileptologist or a Dr. that specializes in the medical concern that you have. Also speak to your pharmacist this is where I got a lot of help and guidance. I wish you the best of luck and May God Bless You!

Sue

 

[Blonde Angel]

All the best Lindsay, keep checking and get the support to get onto the red flag of the abnormal kidney function.

I would insist on a blood recheck in the future also.

 

[lindsayschu2]

That's where I ended up--GP said to recheck in a bit, not to worry, but if it stays low, see a urologist, who may or may not suggest a change in med. Thanks all!