Low Sodium from Antidepressants: What You Need to Know

When you take antidepressants, medications used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Also known as SSRIs, SNRIs, or tricyclics, they help balance brain chemicals—but some can quietly mess with your body’s sodium balance. This isn’t rare. Studies show up to 1 in 10 people on certain antidepressants develop hyponatremia, a condition where blood sodium drops below 135 mmol/L. It’s not just a lab number—it can mean dizziness, confusion, nausea, seizures, or worse. The risk is higher in older adults, women, and people taking diuretics or already low in sodium. It usually shows up after a few weeks on the drug, often when people don’t connect their symptoms to their meds.

Not all antidepressants cause this equally. SSRIs, like sertraline, fluoxetine, and escitalopram are the most common culprits. SNRIs like venlafaxine also carry risk. Even tricyclics and MAOIs can do it, but less often. The mechanism? These drugs make your kidneys hold onto too much water, diluting sodium in your blood. It’s not about eating too little salt—it’s about your body’s water balance going off track. You can eat plenty of salt and still get hyponatremia. The problem isn’t your diet; it’s how the drug changes your kidneys’ behavior.

What should you do? If you’re on an antidepressant and start feeling unusually tired, confused, or nauseous, don’t assume it’s just the illness or stress. Ask your doctor for a simple blood test to check your sodium levels. If it’s low, they might adjust your dose, switch your med, or advise you to limit fluid intake. Most cases improve quickly once the trigger is removed. You don’t need to stop your antidepressant unless your doctor says so—but you do need to be aware. This side effect is treatable, not inevitable. Below, you’ll find real-world stories and expert advice from people who’ve dealt with this exact issue, plus guides on how to monitor your meds safely and spot hidden risks before they become serious.

Hyponatremia from SSRIs: Low Sodium and Confusion Risk in Older Adults

6 Dec

by david perrins 8

Hyponatremia from SSRIs: Low Sodium and Confusion Risk in Older Adults

SSRIs can cause dangerously low sodium levels, especially in older adults, leading to confusion and falls. Learn who’s at risk, which antidepressants are safer, and what tests to ask for.