Does fluoxetine make you shaky? (+3 findings)
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 or not fluoxetine makes you shaky, research studies on the association between fluoxetine use and tremors, factors that can contribute to fluoxetine-induced tremors, and what to do if fluoxetine causes tremors.
Does fluoxetine make you shaky?
Yes, fluoxetine can make you shaky. However, individuals differ in their response to medications, and not everyone taking fluoxetine will experience tremors. (1)
Fluoxetine is an antidepressant medication that is sold under the brand name Prozac. It belongs to the class of drugs known as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). Fluoxetine functions by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. Thereby, increasing serotonin concentration in the body. (2)
Although the exact cause of SSRI-induced tremor is unknown, it has been suggested that serotonergic receptor stimulation is the cause.
Additionally, it has been suggested that excessive stimulation of the inferior olivary and red nuclei may cause thalamic and cortical neurons to become overstimulated, which may cause tremors. It has been suggested that serotonin may play a role in the development or aggravation of tremors. (3)
What does research suggest?
According to a research study, it was reported that 21 patients including males and females with a mean age of 42.4 years experienced minor tremors after taking fluoxetine at a mean dose of 25.7 mg per day. The average latency period for the onset of tremors was 54.3 days.
Tremors improved and gradually faded away after fluoxetine was discontinued. The study concluded that the mechanism of action of fluoxetine which involves the engagement of the red and inferior olivary nuclei through projections to the thalamus and spinal cord may induce tremors in certain individuals. (4)
Research indicates that over 20% of individuals on SSRIs such as fluoxetine experience tremors even in the absence of prior tremor history. These tremors might be mild and unobtrusive to day-to-day activities, or they can be more severe and impair an individual’s capacity to function properly. (3)
What factors can contribute to fluoxetine-induced shakiness?
There are several factors that can contribute to fluoxetine-induced shakiness such as: (4)
Medication dose: High fluoxetine dosages can cause tremors.
Underlying medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as MS (Multiple Sclerosis), Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, liver diseases, kidney diseases, hyperthyroidism, and neurological disorders may induce tremors while using fluoxetine.
Concurrent medications: Certain medications such as corticosteroids, antipsychotics, and anti-asthma medications may induce tremors while taking fluoxetine.
Lifestyle factors: Caffeine, stress, anxiety, regular exposure to neurotoxins and heavy metals, and fatigue may all induce tremors while taking fluoxetine.
Age: The elderly population is more prone to experience tremors than the younger population.
What should you do if fluoxetine causes shakiness?
If you experience tremors while taking fluoxetine, consult your healthcare provider about reducing your medication dose or switching to an alternative with fewer adverse events such as:
Mirtazapine: It is an atypical antidepressant that is sold under the brand name Remeron. It can be used instead of fluoxetine and was proven to be effective in treating ET (Essential tremor) in certain individuals. (5)
Sertraline: It is an SSRI antidepressant that is sold under the brand name Zoloft. Sertraline can cause fewer tremors and can be well-tolerated by certain individuals.
Your healthcare provider will properly assess your situation and determine whether the tremor is caused by fluoxetine or by other underlying neurological disorders or concurrent medications. They will then take the best course of action accordingly.
If your tremors are due to fluoxetine use, your healthcare provider might also recommend some vitamins such as vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) and Vitamin B12. These vitamins can help reduce tremors and strengthen your nerves while taking fluoxetine.
Based on my knowledge and research, fluoxetine can cause tremors in certain individuals as a side effect of its use. If you experience persistent tremors while taking fluoxetine, consult your healthcare provider about reducing your dose or switching to an alternative with fewer adverse events.
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References
1.-
Fluoxetine (Oral Route) Side Effects – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayoclinic.org. 2019. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/fluoxetine-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20063952
2.-
Medline Plus. Fluoxetine: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2019. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a689006.html
3.-
Morgan JC, Kurek JA, Davis JL, Sethi KD. Insights into Pathophysiology from Medication-induced Tremor. Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements [Internet]. 2017 Nov 22;7(442). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5712675/
4.-
Tremor | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [Internet]. www.ninds.nih.gov. Available from: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/tremor
5.-
Uccellini D, Grampa G, La Spina I, Nasuelli D, Neromante I, Politini L, et al. Mirtazapine in the treatment of essential tremor: an open-label, observer-blind study. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment [Internet]. 2006 Mar 1 [cited 2023 Nov 21];2(1):95–100. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2671731/
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