Can Citalopram Cause Numbness? (5 management strategies)

This article will discuss the question of whether Citalopram can cause numbness, examining research findings on the subject. Additionally, it will state proper administration techniques to minimize the risk of numbness and explore alternative antidepressant options.

Furthermore, this article will mention other side effects of Citalopram, as well as medications and diseases that can also lead to numbness. Lastly, it will provide an overview of possible treatments to manage citalopram-induced numbness

Can citalopram cause numbness?

Yes, Citalopram can cause numbness. While uncommon, certain antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may rarely cause sensory disturbances (like numbness or tingling sensations) as a side effect.

Moreover, numbness and other forms of paraesthesia are among the withdrawal symptoms associated with the sudden discontinuation of serotonergic antidepressants.

Understanding the possible causes and adopting strategies for managing this side effect can help individuals effectively navigate their treatment journey. In addition, as numbness is a very rare side effect of Citalopram, it’s crucial to investigate if any other factors may contribute to it.

What does research say about citalopram-induced numbness?

A study in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology confirmed that sensory disturbances, such as numbness and abnormal sensations (like tingling or burning), have been reported with the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

These sensory symptoms were found to affect areas such as the genitalia and nipples. Citalopram, particularly, caused vaginal anaesthesia [1].

This research states that discontinuing the medication or switching to another drug can sometimes lead to improvements [1].

On the other hand, two other studies reported that patients often experience paresthesias (like numbness, tingling, and electricity-like sensations) in the face and legs within five days after stopping SSRIs.

In fact, these symptoms may persist for weeks, possibly due to serotonin receptor supersensitivity that occurs due to prior SSRI administration [2] [3].

What are possible treatments for citalopram-induced numbness?

Treating numbness depends on what’s causing it. It’s important to visit a healthcare professional for accurate evaluation and precise diagnosis. They can suggest the right treatments for your specific condition causing the numbness.

Strategies to manage numbness associated with citalopram administration include:

Using alternative or add-on medications

An individual suffering from numbness caused by citalopram can switch to a different antidepressant that doesn’t cause this side effect. For example, duloxetine and trazodone were found to be the best alternatives in this case [4] [5].

In addition, one can try taking another medication or medicinal plant to manage this side effect. one study found that Ginko Biloba led to slight improvements when taken by patients experiencing SSRI-induced numbness [8].

Furthermore, based on the underlying cause, physicians may prescribe medications like painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or specific nerve-related treatments to alleviate numbness [7].

Addressing underlying medical conditions

If the numbness is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, treating and managing that condition can help alleviate the numbness [7].

Physical therapy

Physical therapy exercises, techniques, and stretches can improve blood circulation, strengthen muscles, and reduce compression on nerves, potentially alleviating numbness.

Lifestyle modifications

Certain lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthier diet, correction of vitamin deficiencies, regular exercise, and proper ergonomics, may help improve nerve health and reduce numbness.

Nerve stimulation techniques

Techniques like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which uses low-voltage electrical currents to stimulate nerves, may provide relief from numbness in some cases

How to properly administer citalopram to minimize numbness?

To ensure proper administration of Celexa and minimize the risk of side effects, it is important to follow the prescribed instructions provided by your healthcare professional. Typically, Celexa is taken orally, with or without food, once a day.

The recommended starting dose of Celexa is 20 mg per day, and it can be increased to a maximum dose of 40 mg per day. However, it is crucial to ensure that this dosage adjustment is made after at least one week.

It is essential to take the medication at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in your system. Avoid crushing, chewing, or breaking the tablets, as they are designed to be swallowed whole. If you have any concerns, promptly consult your doctor to discuss adjusting the dosage or exploring alternative options.

If you encounter any of the side effects associated with citalopram, it is advised not to discontinue the medication abruptly as this may lead to withdrawal symptoms. It is crucial to consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.

What other side effects does citalopram cause?

It’s important to note that different individuals may experience varying side effects and their severity can vary as well. However, some of the common citalopram side effects include:

• Nausea or upset stomach
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Headache
• Insomnia or changes in sleep patterns
• Increased or decreased appetite
• Sexual side effects, such as decreased libido
• Tremors or shakiness
• Sweating

Other medications that may lead to numbness

Experiencing numbness while taking Celexa (citalopram) does not necessarily imply that it is directly responsible for this side effect. It is important to consider that numbness may be due to the concomitant administration of other drugs. Some examples include:

Anticonvulsants: Certain anticonvulsant medications used to treat conditions like epilepsy, such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, and gabapentin, may sometimes lead to numbness [6].

Chemotherapy drugs: Some chemotherapy medications, including vincristine, paclitaxel, and cisplatin, can cause peripheral neuropathy, which can present with symptoms of numbness [7].

Blood pressure medications: calcium channel blockers or ACE inhibitors might alter blood flow or nerve function.

Hormonal contraception: While rare, hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills or hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), have been reported to cause numbness or tingling sensations in some individuals.

Antibiotics: Antibiotics such as isoniazid or metronidazole can induce peripheral neuropathy.

Other medications: Extensive studies took place to investigate drugs that may cause peripheral neuropathy, including the article ” Drug-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Narrative Review” by Mark R et al.

Some diseases that can cause numbness:

To properly understand if Celexa is causing numbness or if there is an underlying disease at play, it is important to diagnose potential medical conditions that can cause numbness. Some of these diseases include:

Carpal tunnel syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the wrist, becomes compressed. This compression can result in numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand and fingers.

Diabetes Mellitus: Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy, causing numbness or tingling, particularly in the hands and feet [7].

Multiple Sclerosis: MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Numbness and tingling in the extremities are common early symptoms of MS, as the protective myelin sheath around nerve fibers is damaged [7].

Lyme disease: an infection where the bacteria can invade the nerves, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, shooting pains, or nerve damage.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): it is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can lead to inflammation and damage to the nerves, causing numbness.

Chronic alcoholism: prolonged alcohol abuse, which is commonly associated with depression, can also lead to a condition called alcoholic neuropathy. Numbness is one of the symptoms of this condition [7]

Vitamin deficiencies: i.e. vitamin B1, B6, B12, and E deficiencies [7].

Seizures [7]

Hypothyroidism [7]

Some inflammations like vasculitis [7]

Certain Autoimmune diseases including Sjogren syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, citalopram can cause numbness as a side effect, although it is uncommon. Research has shown that sensory disturbances, including numbness, can occur with the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram. However, numbness can also be a withdrawal symptom if the medication is suddenly discontinued.

Proper administration of citalopram, following the prescribed instructions, can help minimize the risk of numbness. Other antidepressants like duloxetine and trazodone have been found to be less likely to cause numbness.

It’s important to consider other factors, including concomitant medication usage and underlying medical conditions, which can also contribute to numbness. Consulting with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation is recommended to determine the best course of action.

References