Prescription Drug Induces a Craving for Water That Leads to Death by Over-Consumption of Water
A London man, Andrew Smith, age 47, died in November of 2012 from excessive consumption of water.
Smith was suffering from a rare condition known as polydipsia, which can be defined as excessive thirst. According to his family, Smith was taking a prescription medicine which made him very thirsty. Relatives said that they were aware that he was drinking large amounts of water and that they had mentioned this to his doctor but they were never made aware of the risks of excessive water intake.
Polydipsia is a general term that refers both to chronic, excessive thirst as well as excessive fluid intake.
