A CASE SERIES ON ESCITALOPRAM INDUCED HYPONATREMIA

*Johnson V. Babu, Shaji George, Leya P. Babu, Joicy Jose and Nimmy Robin

ABSTRACT

Background: Escitalopram is a choice of medication for significantly treating depression and anxiety coming under SSRI classification. The Escitalopram initiated hyponatremia may by intense and can lead to deadly. Even though the cases reported with hyponatremia is very low, we have come across 4 cases significantly leading to severe hyponatremia. Case presentation: The case – I of a 58-year-old female with psychosis and generalised anxiety on escitalopram developed hyponatremia by 5th day of treatment (Na-125). Case – II – a 32-year-old female with major depression, and on Escitalopram for a month, reported at the emergency department due to fatigue and generalised weakness, the electrolyte level indicated severe hyponatremia (Na-119). Case – III – a 72 years old male with CPOD and depression on escitalopram developed hyponatremia (Na-128). Case – IV – a 50-year-old female patient with generalised anxiety prescribed with escitalopram, complained of weakness on 7th day and found to be hyponatremic (Na-123). All the cases the condition was managed symptomatically by withholding the drug. On the ADR probability scale, it was found to be certain for 3 cases and probable for 1 case as per the WHO scale and Probable in the Naranjo scale. Conclusion: This cases indicates the need for serum sodium level monitoring among the patients who are on Escitalopram, which is an indicator of ADR.

Keywords: Escitalopram, Hyponatremia, ADR.