Does Citalopram cause vertigo? (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
In this article, we will discuss whether Citalopram causes vertigo. We will also explore the potential link between Citalopram and vertigo, factors that can contribute to vertigo, and how to manage this side effect while taking and discontinuing Citalopram.
Does Citalopram cause vertigo?
Yes, Citalopram does cause vertigo. Most patients experience dizziness when they start Citalopram treatment. Vertigo may also occur when Citalopram is abruptly discontinued. However, not everyone using Citalopram or discontinuing it may experience this side effect.
What is the link between Citalopram and vertigo?
Citalopram may induce vertigo or dizziness in some patients because it works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. During the early phase of Citalopram treatment, serotonin levels in the brain are low. Citalopram starts working by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in brain cells, thereby increasing these levels (1).
It takes around 1-4 weeks for Citalopram to begin showing its effects. During this period, some people may experience lightheadedness, dizziness, or vertigo. These side effects may subside as the full therapeutic effects of Citalopram become noticeable, which usually takes around 8-12 weeks (2).
On the other hand, abrupt discontinuation of Citalopram after at least a month of use may lead to discontinuation syndrome. This syndrome may include symptoms such as imbalance, vertigo, flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, tingling sensations, aggression, and anxiety (3).
Even though Citalopram can make people dizzy or have vertigo, there is a study that says Citalopram, which affects serotonin in the brain, may also reduce dizziness in people, whether they have ear problems or not (4).
What factors can contribute to Citalopram-induced vertigo?
The following factors may contribute to Citalopram-induced vertigo:
- Individual sensitivity to Citalopram.
- Lower or higher doses as per the patient’s needs.
- Patients with a history of ear problems.
- Concurrent use of other medicines like anticonvulsants.
- Vertigo can occur at any age, but elderly individuals are more prone to experiencing it (4).
How to manage vertigo while using Citalopram?
Vertigo associated with the initial phase of Citalopram treatment may subside as the body adjusts to the medication. However, vertigo related to discontinuation of Citalopram may be managed in the following ways, as suggested by your doctor:
- A proper tapering plan is necessary for patients who have been taking the medicine for more than 4 weeks.
- If you are on a low dose of Citalopram, a faster tapering pace may be recommended.
- If severe symptoms are observed during Citalopram discontinuation, restarting the medication and tapering it more slowly may be necessary.
- Switching to another antidepressant while tapering may also help alleviate vertigo symptoms associated with Citalopram discontinuation (5).
What to do if Citalopram causes vertigo?
If you experience vertigo while taking Citalopram, please inform your doctor. Your doctor may reduce your current dose and monitor your response to the medication. It is important to note that Citalopram-induced vertigo may subside as your body adjusts to the medication.
However, if it does not improve, dosage adjustment may be necessary. If your doctor suggests discontinuing Citalopram, it should be done under their supervision over several weeks to months, depending on the duration of the treatment.
Conclusion
This article has discussed that Citalopram may cause dizziness in the early stages of the treatment, and that vertigo can be severe if Citalopram is suddenly stopped. It is important to note that not everyone experiences this adverse effect of Citalopram.
Discontinuation syndrome may be observed in patients after prolonged use of Citalopram, which may include vertigo along with other side effects.
Several factors may influence the occurrence of Citalopram-induced vertigo, including individual sensitivity, a history of ear-related problems, or the use of other medicines. Any dosage change or discontinuation decision must only be taken by your healthcare provider.
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References
1.-
Sharbaf Shoar N, Fariba KA, Padhy RK. Citalopram. 2021 Dec 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29489221. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29489221/
2.-
MedlinePlus[Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US);2023. Citalopram; [updated 2022 Jan 15; cited 2023 JUL 10]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699001.html
3.-
Smith PF, Darlington CL. A possible explanation for dizziness following SSRI discontinuation. Acta Otolaryngol. 2010 Sep;130(9):981-3. doi: 10.3109/00016481003602082. PMID: 20144124. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20144124/
4.-
Staab JP, Ruckenstein MJ, Solomon D, Shepard NT. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors for dizziness with psychiatric symptoms. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2002 May;128(5):554-60. doi: 10.1001/archotol.128.5.554. PMID: 12003587. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12003587/
5.-
Stanton M, Freeman AM. Vertigo. 2023 Mar 13. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29493978. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29493978/
6.-
Gabriel M, Sharma V. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. CMAJ. 2017 May 29;189(21):E747. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.160991. PMID: 28554948; PMCID: PMC5449237. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5449237/
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