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).

CLINICAL PICTURE

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.

TREATMENT

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

OUTCOME

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.