The Complexity of Managing Antipsychotic-Induced Hyponatremia: A Case Series

This case series examines the development of hyponatremia in three patients following the administration of antipsychotic medications. Hyponatremia, a common and potentially serious electrolyte imbalance, can complicate the treatment of psychiatric disorders, particularly when antipsychotic medicati...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2024-10, Vol.16 (10), p.e71038
Main Authors: Bokhari, Syed Ali, Al-Maktoum, Dalal, Alramahi, Ghina, Maallah, Daliya, Mukhtar, Mazin A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aggressiveness
Antipsychotics
Electrolytes
Hallucinations
Hospitalization
Hyponatremia
Lithium
Mental disorders
Onsite
Patients
Psychosis
Psychotropic drugs
Schizophrenia
Sodium
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Summary:This case series examines the development of hyponatremia in three patients following the administration of antipsychotic medications. Hyponatremia, a common and potentially serious electrolyte imbalance, can complicate the treatment of psychiatric disorders, particularly when antipsychotic medications are involved. The cases presented demonstrate the fluctuating sodium levels in patients and the persistent challenge of managing both psychiatric stability and electrolyte balance. In all three cases, sodium levels were closely monitored and required frequent interventions to prevent further decline. Regular monitoring and targeted adjustments, such as the introduction of lithium for its mood-stabilizing effects and sodium-balancing properties and aripiprazole for its lower risk of causing syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, played a critical role in stabilizing both sodium levels and psychiatric symptoms. The clinical complexity of these cases highlights the critical need for a tailored, evolving approach in managing antipsychotic-induced hyponatremia. Effective management requires precise attention to fluid and sodium regulation while maintaining psychiatric stabilization and preventing relapse. This case series underscores the importance of continuous sodium monitoring and timely medication adjustments to ensure long-term psychiatric and medical stability. The dynamic interplay between psychiatric symptoms and electrolyte disturbances demands a personalized, interdisciplinary strategy to achieve therapeutic success in such challenging and multifaceted cases.
ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.71038