Escitalopram Induced SIADH in an Elderly Female: A Case Study

Hyponatraemia is a well-established and potentially, a life-threatening adverse effect of selective serotonin receptor uptake inhibitors (SSRI). However, its occurrence secondary to syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) with escitalopram, has been reported extremely sporadically. The reporting of such rare, but life-threatening adverse effects of escitalopram assumes immense significance in light of the fact that SSRIs presently form the mainstay of treatment of depressive disorders. Here, we report a case where a 58 year old diabetic lady, when initiated on escitalopram for dysthymia developed severe hyponatraemia within 2 weeks. Further, we discuss other relevant cases that have been reported in the past with an eye on the management of SIADH and hyponatraemia.