Does Fluoxetine make you feel emotionally numb? (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 explore whether Fluoxetine makes you numb. Furthermore, we will talk about how Fluoxetine makes you feel numb, related research findings, contributing factors, and management strategies for emotional blunting while taking Fluoxetine.
Does Fluoxetine make you feel emotionally numb?
Fluoxetine may make you feel emotionally numb. It is a common side effect of Fluoxetine, as 40-60% of patients experience emotional blunting while using antidepressants. However, it is important to note that not everyone taking antidepressants may experience emotional blunting as they differ in genetic makeup.
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant that is FDA-approved to treat various mental disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, bipolar depression, and other related conditions (1).
Feeling emotionally numb or emotional blunting, is a condition in which individuals do not feel any positive or negative feelings related to fear, love, anger, or sadness. Emotional blunting is commonly associated with individuals with depression. This condition may be a side effect of antidepressants or a residual symptom of depression itself (2).
How does Fluoxetine make you feel emotionally numb?
Fluoxetine makes you feel emotionally numb as it affects serotonin levels. Fluoxetine works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the synaptic regions of the brain. Serotonin regulates emotions, appetite, mood, sleep and the body’s stress response (1).
Some individuals may experience emotional blunting for a few days, some may experience it for several weeks, or throughout the antidepressant treatment. This emotional numbness with Fluoxetine and its intensity may vary from person to person due to the differences in individual factors and physiological responses.
What does research suggest about Fluoxetine and numbness?
According to a research study, a patient felt numbness in his facial muscles while taking Fluoxetine. When he was shifted to another antidepressant, these side effects went away and his depression symptoms were also improved (3).
Other clinical trials have suggested that approximately 45% of patients may experience emotional numbness during depression. Half of the patients believe that this emotional numbness is due to the illness and the other half consider it to be a side effect of their antidepressant (2).
What factors influence emotional blunting while taking Fluoxetine?
Several factors may influence emotional blunting while taking Fluoxetine, such as:
- Individual sensitivity and genetic makeup have an impact on how the drug is metabolized and cause emotional changes.
- Underlying health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and other related disorders may affect the individual emotionally.
- Dosage and duration of treatment with Fluoxetine may impact emotional well-being.
- Environmental factors such as stressful conditions, lifestyle changes, or triggering situations may influence the response to the medication.
What to do if you experience numbness while taking Fluoxetine?
If you experience numbness while taking Fluoxetine or any other SSRI such as Citalopram, and it worsens or persists, please reach out to your healthcare provider. Your doctor may adjust the dosage according to your specific needs and monitor your response to the medicine.
Your doctor may also suggest some non-pharmacological therapies including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy to improve the emotional blunting symptoms (4).
You may also try some lifestyle changes to manage these emotions, including healthy eating habits, getting enough sleep, stress-relaxation therapies, yoga, or meditation. These changes may help you manage the symptoms of emotional blunting to some extent while taking Fluoxetine.
In cases where the emotional blunting persists, your doctor may gradually discontinue Fluoxetine and switch you to an alternate antidepressant that does not cause emotional numbness (5).
Conclusion
In my perspective, Fluoxetine is commonly known to cause emotional numbness. However, everyone taking Fluoxetine doesn’t need to experience emotional blunting. You should seek medical guidance whenever you experience side effects while taking Fluoxetine or any other antidepressant.
Your doctor may make the necessary adjustments to your antidepressant dosage, suggest management strategies, and change the antidepressant if needed. Do not change the dose or stop taking antidepressants without consulting your healthcare provider.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Sohel AJ, Shutter MC, Molla M. Fluoxetine. 2022 Jul 4. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29083803. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29083803/
2.-
Christensen MC, Ren H, Fagiolini A. Emotional blunting in patients with depression. Part I: clinical characteristics. Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2022 Apr 4;21(1):10. doi: 10.1186/s12991-022-00387-1. PMID: 35379283; PMCID: PMC8981644. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35379283/
3.-
Praharaj SK. Serotonin reuptake inhibitor induced sensory disturbances. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2004 Dec;58(6):673-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2004.02207.x. PMID: 15563365; PMCID: PMC1884649. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1884649/
4.-
Gorka SM, Young CB, Klumpp H, Kennedy AE, Francis J, Ajilore O, Langenecker SA, Shankman SA, Craske MG, Stein MB, Phan KL. Emotion-based brain mechanisms and predictors for SSRI and CBT treatment of anxiety and depression: a randomized trial. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2019 Aug;44(9):1639-1648. doi: 10.1038/s41386-019-0407-7. Epub 2019 May 6. PMID: 31060042; PMCID: PMC6785075. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31060042/
5.-
Ma H, Cai M, Wang H. Emotional Blunting in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: A Brief Non-systematic Review of Current Research. Front Psychiatry. 2021 Dec 14;12:792960. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.792960. PMID: 34970173; PMCID: PMC8712545. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8712545/
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
