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Bipolar disorder - Management
How should I monitor someone taking an SSRI?
- Monitor the person closely in the early stages of treatment, irrespective of which antidepressant is prescribed, to assess response, adverse effects, compliance, and suicide risk. People considered at increased risk of suicide should be seen at least once a week.
- Hyponatraemia has been associated with all types of antidepressant [CSM, 2000b].
- Consider hyponatraemia in people taking antidepressants who develop drowsiness, confusion, nausea, muscle cramps, or seizures.
- Risk factors for developing hyponatraemia include a history of hyponatraemia, extreme old age, diuretics, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, reduced renal function, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
[Taylor et al, 2007]
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