A question about Spironolactone..

eternal · 10-11-2002, 11:07 PM

Hello all,

I've been taking Spironolactone for almost a week, and I've been having problems with muscle cramps

. The other morning as I was rising off my pillow I got a terrible cramp in my left shoulder and neck. I've been taking a muscle relaxer but it hasn't gone away yet. Then another morning this week I had a terrible charley-horse in my calf. I'm thinking, if Spiro is a potassium-sparing drug, which is supposed to raise your potassium levels, then why am I having symptoms as if my potassium is too low? I've become a little anxious about going to sleep because I don't know what kind of knot I'm going to wake up in.

Has this happened to any of y'all who's taking Spiro? Does anyone have any idea about what's going on?

Eva34 · 10-12-2002, 06:31 PM

Hi Karla

((hugs)), sorry I don't know.

Eva

newbie092502 · 10-13-2002, 12:54 AM

When I wake up I have a muscle spasm in my neck/back..one lasted for 3 weeks! Motrin doesnt help either. And I have been on spiro for about 3 weeks. Now I have one spasm on the other side of my neck..uuggh! I also had leg cramps when I first started it, and spasms also..my leg muscles would twitch. I wonder if its related...I know the leg cramps are but maybe the neck thing too. I just thought I slept wrong on my pillow or something...hmmmm

Serena · 10-13-2002, 05:29 AM

Hi,
I've always suffered from leg cramps (as did my mother) and would often get neck/back/you name it cramps. I don't think they've been any worse since I've been on Aldactone (which is Spiro) but I still get them sometimes. You're right about it being a potassium sparing diuretic, and leg cramps are associated with low potassium...but they're also asscociated with low calcium, low magnesium, and dehydration. Since taking a daily magnesium/calcium supplement, and upping the amount of water I drink mine have almost disappeared.

Good luck!

eternal · 10-13-2002, 07:23 PM

Thanks for the responses ladies!

"...but they're also asscociated with low calcium, low magnesium, and dehydration."

You're right, Serena! After doing a lot of online research yesterday I found out about the calcium connection. In fact, after reading it I ran and grabbed a glass of milk

. I just bought a new pill planner case which I will fill with vitamins, to make sure that I take them regularly like I'm supposed to.
During my search I also learned that beta-blockers can deplete coenzyme Q10, so now I have to add that to the mix.

Thanks again, my cysters.

frenchiebull · 10-13-2002, 08:11 PM

i had those muscle cramps too while i was taking spiro.I would get them in my calf muscles and they would hurt horribly! I upped my water intake and they went away.Supposedly spiro is a "mild"diuretic but for me it was a MAJOR diuretic i felt dehydrated all the time and had to carry a water bottle with me everywhere i went.

msunruh70x7 · 10-27-2002, 12:50 PM

Eternal, I have been taking spiro for 3 years. The cramps will subside in time. I have found that staying VERY hydrated and eating a banana before bed with a couple almonds will alleviate it almost completely. Gatorade before bed helps too. Watch your nausea levels.

WyndeeBnet · 10-27-2002, 07:27 PM

I started Spiro two days ago. My RE said that I needed to stay hydrated or it would cause headaches and cramps if I got dehydrated. I know I had a headache today and was dying of thirst. After consumming 2 glasses of water my headache was gone. I try upping your water intake!
Good Luck,
Wendie