Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the reports of serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI)-induced hyponatraemia that were sent to The Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb and the Inspectorate for Health Care.
DESIGN: Descriptive study.
METHOD: Reports of SSRI-induced hyponatraemia received by Lareb and the Inspectorate for Health Care during the period 1 January 1992 to 1 July 2002 were described on the basis of symptoms, co-medication and comorbidity. RESULTS; A total of 42 cases were reported, 38 (90%) of which concerned women and 21 (50%) of which concerned the concomitant use of SSRIs and diuretics. The mean age was 74 years (range: 30-91). The mean serum sodium concentration was 115 mmol/l (range: 97-132). The most important symptoms were reduced consciousness, confusion, falls, nausea and vomiting. 3 patients (7%) died in the period of the reported adverse drug reaction and 27 patients (64%) were hospitalised, of which 4 (10%) to the intensive care unit.
CONCLUSION: These reports of suspected SSRI-induced hyponatraemia were attended with significant morbidity and substantial mortality. The considerable morbidity and substantial mortality in combination with the increasing use of SSRIs necessitates a clarification of the actual incidence and severity of SSRI-induced hyponatraemia.
Translated title of the contribution | Hyponatraemia during the use of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs): reports from 1992-2002 |
---|---|
Original language | Dutch |
Pages (from-to) | 1921-1924 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Nederlands Tijdschrift voor de Geneeskunde |
Volume | 148 |
Issue number | 39 |
Publication status | Published - 25-Sept-2004 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Cause of Death
- Diuretics
- Female
- Hospitalization
- Humans
- Hyponatremia
- Incidence
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Netherlands
- Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
- Sodium