From the Research
Lithium is the most common cause of drug-induced diabetes insipidus, particularly in patients with bipolar disorder, and can cause nephrogenic diabetes insipidus by damaging kidney receptors that respond to antidiuretic hormone (ADH) 1.
Medications that Cause Diabetes Insipidus
Several medications can cause diabetes insipidus, a condition characterized by excessive urination and thirst due to problems with antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
- Lithium, used to treat bipolar disorder, can cause nephrogenic diabetes insipidus by damaging kidney receptors that respond to ADH.
- Demeclocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, can also induce this condition by blocking ADH effects in the kidneys.
- Other medications that may cause diabetes insipidus include amphotericin B (an antifungal), foscarnet (an antiviral), certain chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin, and some psychiatric medications such as phenothiazines.
- Certain drugs like MDMA (ecstasy) can temporarily cause central diabetes insipidus by increasing ADH secretion followed by depletion.
Mechanism and Symptoms
The mechanism typically involves either interference with ADH production in the brain (central diabetes insipidus) or blocking ADH's effects on the kidneys (nephrogenic diabetes insipidus) 2.
- Symptoms typically improve after discontinuing the medication, though in some cases, particularly with long-term lithium use, the condition may persist.
- If you're experiencing excessive urination and thirst while taking any of these medications, consult your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management.
Recent Findings
A recent study found that treatment with valproate and antipsychotics, but not with lithium and lamotrigine, was associated with increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus in patients with bipolar disorder 3.
- Another study discussed the pharmacological strategies for bipolar disorders, with a special focus on lithium, valproic acid, and atypical antipsychotics, highlighting the importance of personalized pharmacological combinations 4.