Cause 6. Certain Medications: The Pharmacological Trail to Hyponatremia
It’s no secret that medications can have side effects, and unfortunately, hyponatremia is among them for certain drugs. This includes a diverse range of medications, from painkillers and antidepressants to diuretics and chemotherapy drugs. Each of these medications can cause hyponatremia in different ways, but the common theme is that they affect the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body.
Diuretics, for instance, are a common cause of drug-induced hyponatremia. These medications help remove excess fluid from the body, but in the process, they can also flush out vital electrolytes, including sodium. While this effect is useful for managing conditions like high blood pressure or heart failure, it can sometimes tip the balance too far, leading to hyponatremia.
Painkillers, specifically opioids, can also lead to hyponatremia. They can stimulate the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), causing the kidneys to retain water and dilute the sodium in the bloodstream. This effect can be particularly potent in elderly patients who may already have a compromised ability to regulate sodium levels.
Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also cause hyponatremia. Like opioids, they can stimulate the production of ADH, leading to water retention and dilution of sodium levels.(6)
