Does Citalopram make you sneeze? (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 whether Citalopram causes sneezing. We will also discuss factors influencing Citalopram-induced sneezing and what one should do if this side effect occurs.
Does Citalopram make you sneeze?
Yes, Citalopram may cause sneezing in some individuals. While sneezing is a less common side effect of Citalopram, it is important to note that individuals can react differently to medications, and some uncommon or rare side effects may occur.
Citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is an antidepressant used to treat mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression (1).
Apart from common side effects like sweating, nausea and tiredness, Citalopram may produce some rare side effects including sneezing and flu-like symptoms (2).
Some side effects of Citalopram, including sneezing, may decrease over time as the body becomes used to the medication. In such cases, sneezing may be more common when starting the medication and decreases as the treatment continues.
It is important to note that Citalopram can cause different side effects in different individuals. It is important to keep an eye on the side effects you are experiencing and discuss them with your healthcare provider to mitigate them in the best possible way.
Factors influencing Citalopram-induced sneezing
Several factors can increase the risk of Citalopram-induced sneezing. It is important to be aware of these factors and discuss them with your healthcare provider if you are prescribed this medication.
There is limited information available on the exact mechanism behind this rare side effect, however, other SSRIs like Escitalopram may produce sneezing as a common side effect (3).
Several factors can contribute to Citalopram-induced sneezing:
Allergic reactions: In rare cases, individuals may have an allergic reaction to Citalopram or any of its active ingredients, leading to sneezing as an allergic response.
Underlying health conditions: Pre-existing medical conditions may interact with Citalopram and produce side effects. If a person has a condition that affects the respiratory system, it might make them more susceptible to sneezing.
Other medications: The interaction between Citalopram and other medications a person is taking can increase the risk of side effects including sneezing. Drug interactions can sometimes result in unexpected symptoms.
Environmental factors: External factors, such as exposure to allergens like pollen or dust can trigger sneezing. These factors can combine with the effects of Citalopram and exacerbate sneezing.
Individual sensitivity: People react differently to medications because of their unique genetic makeup, and some individuals may be more sensitive to the side effects of Citalopram, including sneezing, than others.
What to do if Citalopram causes sneezing?
If you experience sneezing or any unusual symptoms while taking Citalopram it is essential to consult your doctor or healthcare provider.
They can assess your situation, adjust your medication if necessary, or recommend strategies to manage this side effect. In some cases, they may suggest an alternative antidepressant if this side effect is problematic for you. Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance when taking any medication.
Tips to manage sneezing during Citalopram use
Here are some tips to manage sneezing during Citalopram use:
- If you are experiencing sneezing as a side effect of Citalopram, here are some tips to help manage it.
- Discuss sneezing with your healthcare provider. They can determine if it is related to Citalopram or if there might be other causes that need to be addressed.
- Your healthcare provider may adjust your Citalopram dosage or even switch to a different medication if sneezing is bothersome.
- Minimize your exposure to potential allergens like dust, pollen, or pet dander that can cause sneezing.
- Nasal saline sprays or irrigation can help keep your nasal passages moist and may reduce sneezing and congestion.
- Use over-the-counter antihistamines, like Benadryl, but make sure to consult with your healthcare provider before taking these medications with Citalopram as they may increase side effects like sedation and drowsiness in some people.
- Stay well-hydrated to keep your nasal passage moist. It may reduce irritation that leads to sneezing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while sneezing is not a common side effect of Citalopram use, it is important to note that people react differently to medications. Always communicate with your healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective management of mental health conditions and any associated medication side effects.
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