Severe hyponatraemia associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

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. 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. 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.