Characteristics, prevalence, risk factors, and underlying mechanism of hyponatremia in elderly patients treated with antidepressants: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Objectives The aims of this study were to describe the characteristics of hyponatremia in elderly users of antidepressants, to determine the prevalence and risk factors for hyponatremia, and to identify the underlying mechanisms. Study design Cross-sectional study (March 2007–April 2009) with prospectively collected data. Patients were older than 60 years, used antidepressants, and had a complete geriatric assessment. Main outcome measures Serum sodium and antidiuretic hormone levels, serum osmolality, urine sodium level, and urine osmolality were measured. The prevalence of hyponatremia (serum sodium Results Of 358 eligible patients, 345 were included. The prevalence of hyponatremia as an AR-AD was 9.3%. Risk factors were a history of hyponatremia (adjusted OR 11.17, 95%CI 2.56–40.41), weight  Conclusions In elderly patients, the prevalence of hyponatremia as adverse reaction to all types of antidepressants was 9%. Patients with previous hyponatremia, weight