Can citalopram cause hallucinations? (3+factors)

By Ivan Kahwa
Page last updated: 02/01/2024 | Next review date: 02/01/2026
close

Author bio

 

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the  Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7 

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60 

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683 

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

  https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004 

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2 

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600 

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

 https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4 

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4:  Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6:  Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher:  Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors:  Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala  , Rachel Mbabazi  , Shabnoor Iqbal  , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

 

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

 

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

 

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159 

 

 

 

 


Ivan Kahwa
View More north_east

In this article, we will discuss whether citalopram hydrobromide causes hallucinations. We will also discuss some research studies, some factors contributing to citalopram-induced hallucinations, and how to manage this side effect..

Can citalopram cause hallucinations?

Yes, citalopram hydrobromide can cause hallucinations. These hallucinations might go away after a few days of taking citalopram hydrobromide as the body adapts to the medication. However, if hallucinations persist, you must immediately contact your physician or healthcare provider. (1)

Citalopram can induce hallucinations. The pathophysiology of developing hallucinations while taking citalopram is due to an imbalance between serotonin and acetylcholine pathways.

Citalopram can induce the serotonin receptors and hyperstimulate them, thereby blunting the response of the cholinergic system. This means there is an excess of serotonin and less acetylcholine, leading to an imbalance between the 2 pathways and resulting in visual hallucinations. (2)

However, hallucinations are not common side effects of citalopram and their occurrence differs from one individual to another.

What does research suggest?

A case was reported in a young adult who experienced hallucinations and delusions while taking citalopram to treat depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. (3)

Citalopram hydrobromide is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for treating depression in adults aged 18 years and above.

Increasing the dose of citalopram hydrobromide can lead to an increased risk of serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition caused by the accumulation of serotonin in the body that can lead to symptoms such as hallucinations, loss of coordination, delirium, and coma.

Caution must be taken while taking SSRIs for treating depression. (4)

Another case was reported in a 68-year-old woman suffering from depression who was treated with citalopram 20 mg per day, she developed symptoms of visual hallucinations after taking the medication. (5)

Although citalopram is a safe drug. However, side effects such as hallucinations, delirium, confusion, and paranoia can occur in some individuals while taking the medication in an excessive dose. Therefore, if any symptoms occur while taking citalopram, you must immediately contact your physician or healthcare provider.

Factors contributing to citalopram-induced hallucinations

Citalopram-induced hallucinations can be influenced by several factors such as:

  • Personal sensitivity: The effects of citalopram differ from one individual to another, some people may be sensitive to citalopram and experience hallucinations as a side effect.
  • Patient History: Patients with a history of psychiatric illness such as schizophrenia may be at greater risk of developing hallucinations when taking citalopram.
  • Medication dose: Higher doses of citalopram can induce hallucinations in some individuals.
  • Drug Interactions: You must inform your physician of any medications you are taking to avoid drug-drug interactions. For example: Alcohol interacts with citalopram and can have several side effects such as hallucinations, thinking, and movement problems. (6)

It is very important to inform your healthcare provider about any arising symptoms while taking citalopram.

How to manage citalopram-induced hallucinations?

Citalopram-induced hallucinations can be managed by following these guidelines:

  • Consult your healthcare provider for any arising symptoms of hallucinations. Hallucinations can occur as a result of a mental health condition such as Bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, your healthcare provider must assess your situation, properly diagnose your case, and rule out any underlying health condition that could be a main factor in causing hallucinations.
  • Dose adjustment, your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dose of citalopram to avoid further complications.
  • Medication discontinuation, some individuals will need to discontinue the medication as it is reported that visual and auditory hallucinations occurred as an adverse effect in a patient taking citalopram, the symptoms disappeared after discontinuing the drug in 2 days. (2)
  • Avoid alcohol and consult your physician or healthcare provider for any drug-drug interaction to avoid symptoms exacerbation.

Conclusion

Citalopram can cause hallucinations in certain individuals. Personal sensitivity, over-dosage, and drug interactions can contribute to citalopram-induced hallucinations, if you experience any symptoms while taking citalopram, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

References

1.-

Medline Plus. Citalopram: MedlinePlus Drug Information (Internet). medlineplus.gov. 2022. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699001.html

2.-

Mowla A, Khosravizadegan F, Ebrahimi AA, Sabayan B, Pani A. Citalopram associated with complex visual hallucination, a case report. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry. 2009 Apr;33(3):575–6. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278584609000207?via%3Dihub

3.-

DailyMed – CITALOPRAM- citalopram hydrobromide tablet, film coated (Internet). dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. (cited 2023 Oct 12). Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=94bb1159-f716-4479-83df-5728c6806c6e

4.-

Capaldi VF, Carr RB. Citalopram-induced hallucinations and delusions in a young adult. General Hospital Psychiatry. 2010 Nov;32(6):648.e1–3. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21112465/

5.-

Mowla A, Khosravizadegan F, Ebrahimi AA, Sabayan B, Pani A. Citalopram associated with complex visual hallucination, a case report. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry. 2009 Apr;33(3):575–6. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278584609000207

6.-

Citalopram (Oral Route) Precautions – Mayo Clinic (Internet). www.mayoclinic.org. (cited 2023 Oct 14). Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/citalopram-oral-route/precautions/drg-20062980#:~:text=This%20medicine%20may%20increase%20your,Coumadin%C2%AE%2C%20Jantoven%C2%AE). 

Find a supportive therapist who can help with Depression.

Discover the convenience of BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connecting you with licensed and accredited therapists specialized in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Complete the assessment and find your ideal therapist within just 48 hours.

 

AskYourPharm is user-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site

Learn More