Diuretics

Diuretics (also known as 'water pills'): A drug that increases the frequency of urination and removes water from the body. In eating disorders, diuretic abuse is a form of purging. Consequences include: thirst, muscle cramps/weakness, confusion, fainting, risk of seizures, nausea, vomiting, elevated uric acid levels, hypothermia, cardiac complications (irregular heartbeats, arrhythmias, palpitations), muscle paralysis, kidney damage, hypotension (low blood pressure), electrolyte imbalances (i.e. sodium imbalance, low potassium), dependency, increased tolerance, loss of control. Use and cessation of use can cause fluid shifts, retention/edema.


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