How does carbamazepine (anticonvulsant medication) cause Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH)?

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From the FDA Drug Label

Hyponatremia can occur as a result of treatment with carbamazepine. In many cases, the hyponatremia appears to be caused by the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) The risk of developing SIADH with carbamazepine treatment appears to be dose-related.

Carbamazepine causes Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH) by an unknown mechanism, but it is believed that the risk is dose-related. The exact mechanism of how carbamazepine leads to SIADH is not explicitly stated in the drug label.

  • Key points:
    • Hyponatremia can occur due to carbamazepine treatment
    • SIADH is a possible cause of hyponatremia
    • The risk of developing SIADH appears to be dose-related
    • Elderly patients and patients treated with diuretics are at greater risk of developing hyponatremia 1 1

References

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