Furosemide and Frequent Urination: What Users Say

• Jud...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2018

Furosemide for Edema "Lasix (a potassium-depleting drug) made me pee a lot, but didn't do much to decrease swelling. Then I started taking spironolactone (a potassium-sparing drug) and almost overnight I lost almost 10 pounds of excess water. I think the Lasix depleted too much potassium, causing too much retention of sodium (which in turn caused water retention). Note: My diet all along has been low sodium."

• Lau...
• January 5, 2015

Furosemide for Edema "I started taking this medication when I was in my early 20s for edema. I take 80 mg a day for 20 years now. If I miss a day, I go up about 12 lbs on the scale. This medication has worked wonders for me, but it is hard to take if you need to leave the house. I can pee up to 20 times in 4 hours. Other than the inconvenience, it is a fantastic medication for me."

• Anonymous
• May 14, 2012

Furosemide for Edema "I have a genetic condition called Venous Insufficiency, which doesn't allow the blood & fluid to be returned from my lower legs & feet, so they swell and the skin can start to break down, which opens up the opportunity for infection. Have been taking Furosemide 40mg 1x day for over a year now - it is the only thing that keeps me from being in the hospital all the time with infections that require IV antibiotics. The only side effects I've noticed are the very frequent urination (not really a side effect, it's what the drug is *supposed* to do, as it flushes fluids out of the body), and aching in my legs and feet as the fluid leaves - I can only assume that is caused by my body trying to push the fluid out."

• Pee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 4, 2016

Furosemide for Edema "I have severe Lymphedema and venous edema with pitting. I made the mistake of taking the medicine at night and was up urinating every 30-40 minutes in large quantities all night. This medicine made me extremely thirsty, so you have to be sure to drink plenty of water when taking this medicine."

• Bor...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 26, 2019

For Edema "If you want to pee, this drug will do it. A couple of hours after taking it, I start having to go about every half hour, sometimes less. I've kept track of my weight before and after it wears off and I can lose as much as 3 lbs in water weight in just one day. I also take spironolactone. On those days where I am seriously retaining fluids and feeling bloated, my doc told me to take a double dose instead and my calves and feet go from looking like engorged balloons to slim with the veins popping out. I have CHF and when I retain fluids, it becomes hard to breathe, so my Lasix is a lifesaver."

• tin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2020

Furosemide for Edema "Dr. has me back on Lasix again for edema and will try another round. The first round was 20 mg. X 2 for 6 mo.s (damn, I was patient) for the swelling in my feet. I was weeing a lot, but it didn't hardly reduce the swelling. I've also noticed a significant increase in the cravings for potassium-laden food, so I believe it HAS drained me of that! Will try to get Doc to increase it to 40 mg all at once, as other reviewers have stated that 20 mg is not enough... and it sure hasn't been for me."

• Hel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 18, 2017

For Edema "I have been to the hospital emergency room twice in 2 months with a diagnosis of edema. I was prescribed Lasix 20 mg along with Potassium pills. In the hospital, they put Lasix in IV, and it works almost immediately, causing me to urinate about 20 times. My doctor has me on 40 mg of Lasix and a low-salt diet. The swelling has left my legs, but not my feet. I have noticed that if I elevate my feet at least 3-4 times a day with feet at heart level, the swelling goes down much better. I am trusting that the swelling will go away completely soon. I am doing much better since going to the emergency room, just still having difficulty walking. This can be very stressful to deal with because it affects mobility, and exercising is challenging. I am a fall risk."

• tra...
• October 2, 2017

Furosemide for Edema "Much foot and leg swelling. Just finished 9 days of hospitalization for pneumonia. Took steroids for several days after discharge. As I quit the steroid, swelling started, so I ended up starting Lasix. Urination every 2 hours. I have high blood pressure. Atrial fibrillation. Tremendous sweating. Edema is slowly going down."

• Msl...
• January 23, 2014

For Edema "I have had several experiences with Lasix. The first time I was on it, I lost a lot of the edema, but then it came back. I have nephrotic syndrome, which comes and goes. So I currently have to be on the Lasix for periods at a time. Yes, it does cause painful muscle spasms that are caused by losing potassium and basically being dried out from constant urination. This time around, Lasix seems to be working better."