A doctor has warned about a hidden health risk related to some common medicines for high blood pressure and depression. It is claimed by Dr. Sudhir Kumar that these drugs can bring about a very low level of sodium-a condition known as hyponatremia-in the blood.
Sodium is an indispensable mineral that supports the fluid balance, nerve signaling, and muscle movement in the body. When sodium levels fall too low, symptoms like fatigue, nausea, confusion, and headaches can occur. In severe cases, it can even lead to seizures or coma.
Dr. Kumar mentioned that medications that fall into these categories are capable of provoking such a situation:
- Thiazide diuretics, which are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, help lower sodium by increasing its excretion in urine.
- SSRI (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as sertraline or escitalopram can induce water retention that eventually leads to dilution of sodium in blood.
- Carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine that are used are seizure or mood disorders-related drugs that may cause the development of SIADH, a condition that results in excessive water intake/distribution in the body.
Older adults are especially at risk because their kidneys are less efficient, and many take multiple medications. People who lose a lot of fluids through sweating, vomiting, or illness are also more vulnerable.
If you find yourself experiencing extreme fatigue, dizziness, muscle cramps, or confusion and you are on any of these drugs, please see your doctor as soon as possible. Sodium levels can also be determined by a very simple blood test.
Dr. Kumar suggested that although a person should not overuse salt, the body still requires a right mixture of it. It is advisable to consume diet rich in natural sodium-containing foods such as eggs, milk, and lean meats and not to be reliant on processed foods.
The essential message embedded in the article: medicines should not be stopped abruptly but one should listen to his body’s signals. It is through blood tests and doctor visits that one can be certain that the treatment is going well and such side effects from the medication are rare.
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