Does citalopram cause eye twitching? (3+ 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
In this article, we will discuss the potential link between eye twitching and citalopram, we will also discuss potential factors contributing to it, and steps to take if you experience eye twitching when taking citalopram.
Does citalopram cause eye twitching?
Yes, citalopram might lead to eye twitching. However, it is not a predominant side effect.
Some evidence suggests that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram can have neurological effects that could potentially manifest as eye twitching. Eye twitching (myokymia) is characterized by repetitive, involuntary spasms of the eyelid muscles(1,2).
What does research suggest?
The connection between citalopram and eye twitching has been noted in some studies and case reports.
Post-marketing surveillance data collected after citalopram’s release into the market indicated instances where users reported involuntary muscular movements.
Eye twitching, being an involuntary muscle movement, can fall under this broader category. These reports are useful for identifying rare side effects not caught in initial clinical trials(3).
Neurological Impacts of citalopram, as with other SSRIs function by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. Elevated serotonin levels can influence various neural pathways, potentially leading to neuromuscular symptoms.
Studies have shown that serotonin, although primarily known for mood regulation, also plays a role in motor functions and reflexes, which could theoretically result in effects like eye twitching(4).
Factors influencing citalopram-induced eye twitching
Certain factors might increase the likelihood of experiencing eye twitching when using citalopram, these factors include:
Concurrent Medications – Combining citalopram with other medications that impact the nervous system can potentially lead to adverse effects.
For instance, some drugs may enhance the activity of neurotransmitters, potentially leading to overstimulation. Others might inhibit the breakdown of citalopram, leading to increased levels in the bloodstream.
Dosage – The amount of citalopram taken plays a crucial role in its effect on the body. While citalopram is effective in treating depression and anxiety at prescribed dosages, increasing the dose might result in heightened side effects.
One of these side effects, although not very common, is eye twitching or myokymia. This involuntary movement can be discomforting, and while it’s usually harmless, persistent twitching might need medical attention.
Individual Sensitivity – Everyone’s body responds differently to medications due to a combination of genetics, environment, and overall health. Some individuals might naturally have a heightened sensitivity to the effects of citalopram and other SSRIs like sertraline – which can also cause similar side effects.
These individuals could experience neurological side effects even at lower doses. Factors like metabolism rate, liver function, and concurrent health conditions can influence how a person processes and reacts to the drug. It’s essential for patients to be observant of any unusual symptoms or side effects and report them to their healthcare provider.
What to do if citalopram causes eye twitching?
If an individual believes citalopram is causing eye twitching, the following steps should be considered:
Contact your doctor – It’s imperative to discuss any potential side effects with a healthcare provider. They can evaluate the symptoms in the context of the individual’s overall health and medication regimen.
The clinician might adjust the dosage, switch to a different medication, or recommend additional tests to rule out other causes.
Monitor other potential causes – External factors such as stress, fatigue, or caffeine consumption can also induce eye twitching. Keeping a daily log of activities, food, and beverage intake, and stress levels can provide insights on whether the twitching correlates with specific triggers.
Don’t stop citalopram abruptly – SSRIs like citalopram have known withdrawal symptoms when discontinued suddenly.
If one wishes to stop or believes the medication is causing side effects, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider. They can provide a tapering schedule to minimize potential withdrawal or side effects(6).
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is some evidence suggesting a potential link between citalopram and eye twitching, although it is not a widely reported side effect. Monitoring for any side effects and regularly consulting with a healthcare provider is vital when using citalopram or any medication.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Milne RJ, Goa KL. Citalopram. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic potential in depressive illness. Drugs. 1991 Mar;41(3):450-77. doi: 10.2165/00003495-199141030-00008. PMID: 1711447.
2.-
Lee SY, Lai SC. Clinical and Electrophysiological Analysis of Chronic Eyelid Twitching. Acta Neurol Taiwan. 2017 Dec 15;26(4):177-183. PMID: 30315563.
3.-
Edinoff AN, Akuly HA, Hanna TA, Ochoa CO, Patti SJ, Ghaffar YA, Kaye AD, Viswanath O, Urits I, Boyer AG, et al. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Adverse Effects: A Narrative Review. Neurology International. 2021; 13(3):387-401. https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint13030038
4.-
Basheikh MA. Reversible Hemifacial Spasm after Starting Escitalopram. Case Rep Neurol. 2020 Mar 6;12(1):103-106. doi: 10.1159/000506326. PMID: 32308604; PMCID: PMC7154230.
5.-
Wakakura M, Tsubouchi T, Inouye J. Etizolam and benzodiazepine induced blepharospasm. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2004 Mar;75(3):506-7. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.2003.019869. PMID: 14966178; PMCID: PMC1738986.
6.-
Zivin K, Pfeiffer PN, Bohnert AS, Ganoczy D, Blow FC, Nallamothu BK, Kales HC. Evaluation of the FDA warning against prescribing citalopram at doses exceeding 40 mg. Am J Psychiatry. 2013 Jun;170(6):642-50. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2013.12030408. PMID: 23640689.
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
