Potassium levels keep droping

[Jaha]

Has anyone have trouble with there potassium levels being to low? I am on a water pill and rx potassium, but still having it bottom out. I've been on theses same rxs since starting and tx, and it's only recently became a problem. It is giving me chest pains, leg and arm pains and makes me shake,weak and confused. I try taking more potassium but it does not keep normal. Please give me some advice or experience you have had with this. Thanks:mad1:

[cjhnsn29]

I have not have any potassium problems that I am aware of but I did have iron deficiency and ended up with anemia and 2 pints of blood transfusion. I do have weakness in arms and thought it is from all the different medications.

[Jaha]

Thanks for your response, I hope that the anemia was taken care of by the transfusions. My wg's specialist is sending me to a cardiologist, I'm trying to stay away from the hospital until after I see them.

[mrtmeo]

Hi Jana,

Are you on any antidepressants?
Some antidepressants can cause hypokalemia.
Diuretics like Lasix will lower your potassium levels.
There are potassium-sparring diuretics that can help keep potassium up.

How much potassium are u taking because most supplements are only 100mg and the US RDA is like 3,700 mg per day.
Blackstrap Molasses has 500mg of potassium in 1 Tbsp.

[Jaha]

Thanks for your reply, I am on Zoloft,25mg Hydrochlorithize and a prescribed potassium of 10meq daily. I will try your suggestion of the molasses. It just seems strange that I have been on these same meds before dx'd 4yrs ago and am presently taking cellcept,15mg preds and bacterium. I'm also doing rtx every 6mos.

[mrtmeo]

Thanks for your reply, I am on Zoloft,25mg Hydrochlorithize and a prescribed potassium of 10meq daily. I will try your suggestion of the molasses. It just seems strange that I have been on these same meds before dx'd 4yrs ago and am presently taking cellcept,15mg preds and bacterium. I'm also doing rtx every 6mos.

Hi Jana,
The hypokalemia can creep up on ya over time with SSRI's or can happen instantly.
Everyone is different.

It looks like hydrochlorothiazide can cause hypokalemia, so you may want to tell your dr.
Here is a study using hydrochlorothiazide with potassium supplements.
Potassium restoration in hypertensive patien... [Arch Intern Med. 1989] - PubMed - NCBI (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2596940)

[Jaha]

Thank you so much for the info, I'll call my pcp tomorrow.