Can Citalopram cause night sweats? (3+ drugs that can help)
By
Ivan Kahwa
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
In this article, we will discuss Citalopram-induced night sweats and what research studies suggest about it. We will also discuss potential treatments for excessive sweating.
Can Citalopram cause night sweats?
Yes, using Citalopram (Celexa) can cause night sweats or increased sweating. It is one of the most common side effects of using this drug.
It is important to understand that every individual is different, and not everyone will experience these side effects. Some may experience excessive sweating, and some may not experience any increased sweating at all.
Other antidepressants such as Sertraline, Effexor, Wellbutrin, Pristiq, and Lexapro are also known to cause night sweats, increased sweating, or sweaty hands.
What does research suggest?
Several studies have been conducted to examine the link between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and sweating. 7% to 19% of the patients using SSRIs experience increased sweating as a side effect. (1)
In one study, it was reported that only 38 out of 415 participants experienced night sweats. It was also revealed that gender, age, BMI and the total number of medications taken on a regular basis were not related to night sweats. (1)
However, after adjusting for age and gender, it was found that angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), thyroid hormone supplements, and SSRIs were the only classes of drugs that were linked with night sweats. (1)
What are the possible treatments for Citalopram-induced night sweats?
Various studies discuss the potential treatments for night sweats or excessive sweating caused by antidepressants.
In five case reports, it was reported that Cyproheptadine, which is an antihistamine and also a serotonin antagonist, decreased night sweats. It was most likely caused by the serotonin antagonist activity of the drug. (2)
It was also found that the use of Cyproheptadine as a treatment for SSRI-induced sweating decreased excessive sweating without any changes in the efficacy of SSRI treatment. (2)
One study reported that the use of Terazosin, a long-acting selective alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker, significantly improved the daytime and nighttime severity of sweating. Twenty-two of the twenty-three participants responded well to Terazosin. (3)
However, dizziness and lightheadedness were reported as the most common side effects of the Terazosin therapy. The therapy was generally well tolerated aside from these side effects, and no patients dropped out due to this.
In another study, 140 patients suffering from major depressive disorder were being treated with Sertraline, an SSRI. These patients received Oxybutynin, an anticholinergic drug, to see how it affected the excessive sweating caused by the antidepressant. (4)
It was concluded that the use of Oxybutynin in treating SSRI-induced excessive sweating was successful. It was also found that the female patients reported less sweating compared to the male patients. (4)
Benztropine, another anticholinergic, can be used in the treatment of antidepressant-induced excessive sweating. Patients using Benztropine experienced the benefits of the drug within one hour of administration. (5)
What to do if Citalopram-induced night sweats persist?
If Citalopram-induced night sweats persist, please inform your doctor immediately. Your doctor might reduce your dose to see if your side effects improve. Research suggests that dose reduction might help in reducing antidepressant-induced excessive sweating. (6)
If lowering the antidepressant dose improves this side effect, your doctor may gradually increase the dose later and find the right balance for you.
However, if dose reduction is not effective, your doctor might consider switching to another antidepressant if you still experience night sweats or excessive sweating.
Your doctor might prescribe medications such as Cyproheptadine, Terazosin, Oxybutynin, and Benztropine as additive therapy for treating antidepressant-induced night sweats or excessive sweating.
It is very important to understand that your doctor will determine which drug is appropriate for treating your sweating symptoms based on your health condition, as long as there are no adverse reactions between them. Never start taking any drug without consulting your doctor.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed whether Citalopram causes night sweats, what research tells us about it, and what potential treatments for it are. We also discussed what to do if Citalopram-induced night sweats persist.
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References
1.-
Mold JW, Holtzclaw BJ. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Night Sweats in a Primary Care Population. Drugs Real World Outcomes. 2015 Mar;2(1):29-33. doi: 10.1007/s40801-015-0007-8. PMID: 27747615; PMCID: PMC4883206. Avaiable from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4883206/
2.-
Ashton AK, Weinstein WL. Cyproheptadine for drug-induced sweating [Internet]. The American Journal of Psychiatry. 2022 1 May. Avalable from: https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.159.5.874-a
3.-
Mago R, Thase ME, Rovner BW. Antidepressant-induced excessive sweating: clinical features and treatment with terazosin. Ann Clin Psychiatry. 2013 Aug;25(3):186-92. Epub 2013 May 1. PMID: 23638448. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23638448/
4.-
Ghaleiha A, Jahangard L, Sherafat Z, Ahmadpanah M, Brand S, Holsboer-Trachsler E, Bajoghli H, Haghighi M. Oxybutynin reduces sweating in depressed patients treated with sertraline: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2012;8:407-12. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S36329. Epub 2012 Sep 14. PMID: 23028229; PMCID: PMC3446858. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23028229/
5.-
Kolli V, Ramaswamy S. Improvement of antidepressant-induced sweating with as-required benztropine. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2013 Nov;10(11-12):10-1. PMID: 24563813; PMCID: PMC3931183. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3931183/
6.-
Marcy TR, Britton ML. Antidepressant-induced sweating. Ann Pharmacother. 2005 Apr;39(4):748-52. doi: 10.1345/aph.1E564. Epub 2005 Feb 22. PMID: 15728327. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15728327/
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