Fluoxetine and the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)
OBJECTIVE
To report three new cases of the fluoxetine-induced syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).


METHODS
All three cases occurred in elderly psychiatric inpatients treated for depression with standard doses of fluoxetine within one month of starting the medication. All three patients were clinically symptomatic of SIADH.


METHODS
In all three patients the medication was ceased and fluid restriction commenced. One patient required intravenous saline.


RESULTS
All three patients recovered fully within three weeks. None were rechallenged.


CONCLUSIONS
The symptoms of hyponatraemia due to fluoxetine-induced SIADH may be difficult to distinguish from the symptoms of depression, unless appropriate laboratory investigations are made.
Burke
D
D
Department of Aged Care, St George Hospital, Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia.
Fanker
S
S
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007010:Hyponatremia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D007177:Inappropriate ADH Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D005473:Fluoxetine