Does Citalopram cause chills? (3+ strategies)
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 focus on answering the question: Does Citalopram cause chills? Additionally, we will explore the possible mechanism by which it causes chills as a side effect, the prevalence of causing chills and management strategies if you encounter this side effect.
Does Citalopram cause chills?
Citalopram may cause chills in some individuals; however, it is not a commonly reported side effect. Citalopram is a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) that is well-prescribed for the management of mood disorders such as depression. While it is generally considered a safe and effective medication, some individuals have reported experiencing side effects while taking Citalopram, including chills (1,2,4).
While this side effect is not typically listed as a common side effect of Citalopram, it manifests as shivering, fevers, and goosebumps (1,2). It is usually a temporary side effect that tends to subside as the body adjusts to the medication. However, if you experience persistent chills or unusual symptoms while taking this medication, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider.
Furthermore, it is noteworthy to recognize that individual responses to this medication can vary, and some people may be more sensitive to specific side effects than others.
What does research suggest?
Citalopram impacts serotonin levels in the brain, and serotonin is involved in the body’s temperature regulation mechanisms (1). While the exact mechanism associated with Citalopram’s ability to cause chills is not fully understood, several studies have reported the following research findings.
Citalopram can influence body temperature regulation mechanisms along the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis which can lead to chills in some individuals (5).
Additionally, Citalopram may lead to serotonin syndrome in rare cases. This condition may lead to hypothermia (chills) of hypothermia in some individuals.
A study involving a 37-year-old woman investigating the withdrawal effects of discontinuing Citalopram indicated that discontinuation symptoms of Citalopram involved chills, nausea, and insomnia among other side effects (2).
What factors influence Citalopram-induced chills?
Citalopram-induced chills can be influenced by several factors including:
- Individual variation – As earlier mentioned, an individual’s response to Citalopram can vary. Some individuals may be more sensitive to Citalopram’s effects making them more prone to experiencing chills as a side effect.
- Medication dosage – Higher doses of this medication may increase the likelihood of experiencing chills as a side effect.
- Duration of use – Chills are common in the early stages of Citalopram treatment as the body adjusts to this medication.
- Concurrent medications – The use of other medications while taking Citalopram can lead to interaction and potentially influence the side effects experienced like chills.
- Underlying medical conditions – Pre-existing medical conditions can influence how citalopram is metabolized in the body and may contribute to the likelihood of experiencing chills while taking this medication.
- Lifestyle factors – Dehydration and poor nutrition can affect how an individual regulates temperature and potentially chills.
What to do if Citalopram causes chills?
If you experience chills while taking Citalopram, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider and report this side effect. They will assess your specific condition to determine whether the chills are a result of the medication or if other factors are contributing to this side effect.
If your doctor identifies Citalopram as the cause of the side effect, they may recommend adjusting your treatment plan by modifying the medication dosage or switching you to an alternative medication with a lower likelihood of causing this side effect.
Your doctor may also recommend discontinuing Citalopram by gradually tapering off the dose until you are no longer taking the medication.
In addition, to these measures, it is advisable to make lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a balanced diet and staying well-hydrated, to reduce the likelihood of experiencing this side effect. Furthermore, you should avoid certain foods and beverages while taking this medication to prevent side effects like sweating, muscle spasms and chills.
Conclusion
While chills are a potential side effect of Citalopram, they do not affect everyone using this medication, and their mechanism is not fully understood. Therefore, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
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