SERTRALINE-INDUCED HYPONATREMIA

Depression is common in the elderly and can have severe consequences. Recently developed antidepressants such as the serotonin reuptake inhi bitors are effective and have fewer contraindications and side effects than earlier drugs. An 84 year-old woman was admitted for confusion a nd repeated falls eight days after being put on sertraline for depress ion. She was found to have hyponatremia due to inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone, for which none of the classic causes were pr esent. The clinical symptoms and hyponatremia resolved after sertralin e discontinuation. Serum sodium levels should be monitored in elderly patients on sertraline therapy.