Does Citalopram cause burning mouth syndrome? (+5 Factors)
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
This article will discuss Citalopram (Celexa) induced Burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Furthermore, we will explore the factors that can contribute to Burning mouth syndrome, and what steps should be taken if BMS occurs in individuals taking Citalopram.
Does Citalopram cause burning mouth syndrome?
Yes, Citalopram may cause Burning mouth syndrome but it is a very uncommon side effect of Citalopram and does not occur in all individuals who take this drug.
Citalopram is an SSRI antidepressant drug primarily prescribed for treating depression, anxiety, OCD, and related medical conditions.
The side effects of Citalopram can differ from person to person, as everyone reacts to medications in their own way. If you notice any side effects while taking this drug, it is recommended that you promptly speak with your healthcare provider to address them as soon as possible.
What is the potential link between Citalopram and burning mouth syndrome?
Burning mouth syndrome is defined as orofacial pain that occurs without any visible mucosal lesions. It is characterized by burning pain in the mouth, xerostomia (dry mouth), and altered taste perception (1).
Like other antidepressants, dry mouth is a very common side effect of Citalopram which results in reduced saliva production in the mouth. The decrease in saliva production makes oral tissues more sensitive to various stimuli which in turn leads to the burning sensation in the mouth causing burning mouth syndrome.
Citalopram may exacerbate the symptoms of burning mouth syndrome in individuals who are already predisposed to BMS.
What does research suggest?
The research on Citalopram-induced burning mouth syndrome is limited because this is an uncommon side effect of Citalopram. However, more studies have focused on the SSRIs induced BMS in general.
According to a study, a patient with melancholic depression when prescribed Citalopram, the patient experienced persistent and painful burning sensation in the mouth shortly after the dose of the drug was increased from 10mg to 20mg. The symptoms disappeared after the discontinuation of Citalopram (2).
This study showed a prominent role of Citalopram in inducting burning mouth syndrome.
Another study suggested that SSRIs increase the serotonin level in the body. Due to the algogenic effect of serotonin, it contributes to a burning pain sensation in the mouth. The occurrence of BMS after Citalopram is also attributed to the peripheral algogenic effects of serotonin (1).
What factors can contribute to Citalopram-induced burning mouth syndrome?
Various factors can contribute to Citalopram-induced burning mouth syndrome such as,
Individual variations: The response of individuals toward Citalopram is different depending on their physical well-being, genetic variations, and overall health status.
Dosage: A high dose of Citalopram is more prone to cause BMS in individuals as compared to a low dose.
Xerostomia: Citalopram causes frequent dry mouth in individuals making them more susceptible to BMS.
Existing diseases: The underlying medical condition of an individual such as oral infections increases the risk of getting BMS after taking Citalopram.
Drug-drug interactions: Concurrent use of Citalopram with medications such as Fluoxetine, Haloperidol, or Benzhexol can potentially increase the risk of getting BMS.
How to manage Citalopram-induced burning mouth syndrome?
If you experience Citalopram-induced burning mouth syndrome, it is crucial to take action immediately. Citalopram should be discontinued or the dosage reduced if the benefits of the drug do not outweigh the risks.
Don’t let dry mouth or xerostomia affect your daily life. Try using saliva substitutes or frequently sipping water to alleviate the discomfort. These simple solutions can make a big difference in your overall comfort and quality of life. Take control of your oral health and start implementing these effective remedies today (3).
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience any side effects of the medication, including BMS.
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References
1.-
Raghavan SA, Puttaswamiah RN, Birur PN, Ramaswamy B, Sunny SP. Antidepressant-induced Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Unique Case. Korean J Pain. 2014 Jul;27(3):294-6. doi: 10.3344/kjp.2014.27.3.294. Epub 2014 Jun 30. PMID: 25031818; PMCID: PMC4099245. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4099245/
2.-
S. Petrykiv, L. de Jonge, M. Arts, Burning mouth syndrome: Problem in the mouth?, European Psychiatry, Volume 41, Supplement, 2017, Page S254, ISSN 0924-9338, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.02.049.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924933817323209
3.-
Sun A, Wu KM, Wang YP, Lin HP, Chen HM, Chiang CP. Burning mouth syndrome: a review and update. J Oral Pathol Med. 2013 Oct;42(9):649-55. doi: 10.1111/jop.12101. Epub 2013 Jun 16. PMID: 23772971. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23772971/
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