What can result from a sudden decrease in potassium - can it be fatal?

Question

I have a relatively good diet and I do not physically exert myself, but recently I was in the hospital for severe depression. The nurse came in and gave me a potassium (pill form) because my potassium level was very low. I didn't feel physically bad, but was suffering from a major manic/depressive episode ( I am Bipolar). I was taking 50 Mg. Seroquel, 10 Mg. Ambien, Abilify and Tofanril. What should I also look for as a symptom of low postassium? = Thanks

Answer 1

You're likely to develop muscle cramps and weakness, accompanied by thirst and a great deal of urination. Your heart may begin to skip beats--a very dangerous sign.
The many causes of hypokalemia are vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney disease. Potassium supplies can also be depleted by certain medicines (especially water pills), heavy sweating during exercise, and lack of sufficient potassium in your diet.
If your potassium is not too low, you may be able to clear up the condition by eating high-potassium foods such as potatoes with skin, bananas, and spinach. In some cases, you may have to take potassium supplements in pill or powder form. If your potassium is extremely low, you may need to be hospitalized so that you can be given blood tests and intravenous potassium.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Potassium, a macromineral, balances water and acid in the blood and body tissues. Potassium is also important for building muscle and metabolizing protein and carbohydrate.

Good sources of potassium include:

Fish, such as salmon, flounder, cod and sardines
Meat, such as beef and chicken
Peas
Lima beans
Tomatoes
Potatoes (especially their skins)
Leafy green vegetables
Citrus fruits
Bananas
Apricots
Melon
Dried fruit
Nuts
Chocolate

Potassium depletion may also be caused by vomiting, diarrhea or use of diuretic or cortisone medications. Symptoms of potassium deficiency include fatigue, slow reflexes, muscle weakness and dry skin. If potassium levels are depleted quickly, a person could experience heart problems. If potassium levels are not replenished quickly, a person could suffer heart failure and even death.

Answer 4

Low potassium can lead to hypokalemic periodic paralysis. In this condition, the patient feels weakness of the lower extremities. If the lost is significant, potassium replacement is given through the dextrose. However, if potassium deficit is minimal, oral supplements, in form of tablet can be given.
Foods high in potassium are banana, others take gatorade. Other medications can cause hypokalemia.

Answer 5

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypokalemia.

Orange is a good source of Potassium. A lot of potassium supplements are available.

Check your Serum Potassium levels regularly. I recommend you also do a TFT

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thyroid_Function_Test )

http://www.hriptc.org/depression_article.pdf

Discuss with your doctor about taking A multi vitamin multi mineral supplement.