Does Citalopram make your body overheat? (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 overheating. We will also discuss some factors influencing overheating while taking Citalopram and what one should do if this side effect occurs.
Does Citalopram make your body overheat?
Citalopram may cause body overheating in some cases. However, this is not a common side effect and the incidence is low.
Citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is an antidepressant typically used for treating mental health conditions like depression and anxiety (1).
The side effects of Citalopram can differ from person to person depending on age, medication dosage and the overall physiological well-being of an individual.
If you notice any side effects or any concerning symptoms while taking Citalopram, it is important to consult your healthcare provider.
What does research suggest?
There is limited research indicating Citalopram-induced overheating because it is a rare side effect of Citalopram.
One study indicated that when a person is exposed to heat, their body temperature increases, and the administration of Citalopram in such individuals further raises their body temperature. This suggested that both heat and Citalopram affect a part of the brain related to temperature regulation (2).
If you are experiencing overheating while taking Citalopram, it is important to discuss these concerns with your healthcare provider. They can guide you on potential side effects associated with the use of Citalopram.
How does Citalopram affect body temperature?
Citalopram is expected to cause body overheating in the following ways:
Neurotransmitter impact: Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) which means it affects the level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is involved in various physiological processes, including temperature control. Changes in serotonin levels may impact the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
Sweating: Citalopram is known to cause increased sweating in some individuals. Sweating is a natural way for the body to regulate its temperature and excessive sweating can lead to a feeling of overheating.
Factors contributing to Citalopram-induced body overheating
Citalopram-induced body overheating, although uncommon, may be influenced by various factors, including:
Dosage: Higher doses of Citalopram may be more likely to cause overheating by affecting the body’s regulatory systems. So individuals especially new users should be prescribed the lowest possible dose to minimize the risk of these side effects.
Medication interactions: Concurrent use of other medication with Citalopram can increase the risk of drug-drug interactions leading to body overheating as a side effect.
Metabolism: Variations in how the body metabolizes Citalopram can impact its effects on body temperature.
Weather and environment: Some environmental factors, such as hot weather and a warm living environment, can increase the sensation of overheating while taking Citalopram.
Underlying health conditions: Pre-existing health conditions, such as thyroid issues, can influence how Citalopram affects body temperature.
Individual sensitivity: Some individuals may be more sensitive to the effects of Citalopram, including changes in body temperature.
It is essential to discuss any concerns about overheating with your healthcare provider, as they can help determine the cause and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
What to do if Citalopram causes body overheating?
Reach out to your healthcare provider if you feel overheating after taking Citalopram. Although it is quite rare, it could still affect you and your treatment with Citalopram significantly.
Your doctor may reduce your dose to see if it works. If you start doing well on this antidepressant, your doctor will increase the dose gradually. However, if this side effect persists even with a lower dose, your doctor will most likely switch you to another antidepressant.
Always remember not to discontinue Citalopram without consulting your healthcare provider as it may cause “discontinuation syndrome” characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, increased blood pressure, agitation, nausea, fatigue and in severe cases coma. These symptoms are commonly known as withdrawal symptoms (3).
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Citalopram may cause overheating in some individuals, it may vary from person to person. If you have concerns about overheating while taking Citalopram, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. They can help assess your responses to the medication and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
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References
2.-
Hale MW, Lukkes JL, Dady KF, Kelly KJ, Paul ED, Smith DG, Heinze JD, Raison CL, Lowry CA. Interactions between whole-body heating and citalopram on body temperature, antidepressant-like behaviour, and neurochemistry in adolescent male rats. Behav Brain Res. 2019 Feb 1;359:428-439. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.11.029. Epub 2018 Nov 20. PMID: 30468787.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30468787/#:~:text=Although%20whole%2Dbody%20heating%20did,body%20heating%20on%20body%20temperature.
3.-
Gabriel M, Sharma V. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. CMAJ. 2017 May 29;189(21):E747. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.160991. PMID: 28554948; PMCID: PMC5449237.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5449237/#:~:text=The%20mnemonic%20FINISH%20summarizes%20the,disturbances%20(%E2%80%9Cburning%2C%E2%80%9D%20%E2%80%9C
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