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Antidepressant hyponatraemia — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateCNS TherapeuticsAntidepressant hyponatraemiaGPhC CRA

An 83-year-old woman started citalopram three weeks ago. Her daughter reports new confusion, unsteadiness and reduced appetite. She also takes bendroflumethiazide. What monitoring is required?

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Correct answer: D — Serum sodium and clinical assessment for hyponatraemia

SSRIs can cause hyponatraemia, particularly in older adults and in combination with diuretics. New confusion and unsteadiness soon after initiation should prompt urgent clinical review and sodium testing. Falls risk and medicine appropriateness should also be assessed.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS