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Reversible escitalopram-induced hypothyroidism
Salih Saygin Eker1, Cengiz Akkaya, Canan Ersoy
1Department of Psychiatry, Uludag University Medical Faculty, 16059 Bursa, Turkey. saygineker@yahoo.com
General Hospital Psychiatry
|September 21, 2010
Summary
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can rarely cause hypothyroidism. This case highlights escitalopram
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis is linked to depression.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can affect thyroid indices.
- Hypothyroidism is a rare SSRI-associated adverse effect.
Observation:
- A case study investigated the effects of escitalopram on thyroid function.
- The patient exhibited no clinical signs of thyroid dysfunction.
Findings:
- Escitalopram use was associated with the development of hypothyroidism.
- The induced hypothyroidism was asymptomatic, lacking typical clinical signs or symptoms.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider SSRI-induced asymptomatic hypothyroidism.
- Monitoring thyroid function may be necessary during SSRI treatment.
- This finding expands understanding of SSRI adverse effects on the HPT axis.
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