Severe Hyponatraemia Associated with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Abstract

Depression in the elderly is a common problem, cited as occurring in up to 10% of elderly people living at home, half of whom may need specialist referral.¹ The introduction of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors has been reported as a major advance in the treatment of depression in that they are less sedating, have fewer anticholinergic effects and are less toxic in overdose.² We report three cases of severe hyponatraemia, seen in the past 12 months, associated with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors fluoxetine and sertraline. Hyponatraemia has been reported as a rare adverse effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.^3,4