Does Sertraline cause facial numbness? (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
This article will explore the potential connection between Sertraline and facial numbness. It will also cover research studies and the factors that influence this side effect. Additionally, this article will also guide you on how to manage Sertraline-induced facial numbness.
Does Sertraline cause facial numbness?
Sertraline may induce facial numbness in some individuals. Although it is not commonly reported, facial numbness (also known as facial paresthesia) is listed as a rare side effect of this medication (1,2).
Sertraline (Zoloft) is a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) medication primarily used to manage depressive disorders. This medication is also widely prescribed for conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders (1).
Facial numbness, described as a burning or prickling sensation on the face, is typically a consequence of withdrawal symptoms from serotonergic antidepressants, including Sertraline (1,3). However, it is important to note that various individual-specific factors may a role in facial paresthesia, and it may not occur in everyone.
If you experience facial numbness, a prickling or burning sensation on the face, while taking Sertraline, it is advisable to seek immediate medical assistance from your healthcare provider.
What does research suggest?
Although research on drug-induced facial paraesthesia is limited and ongoing, some studies have associated Sertraline withdrawal with facial numbness. While the exact mechanism remains not fully understood, these studies have proposed hypotheses about how Sertraline withdrawal might lead to facial numbness.
In a case study involving a 30-year-old woman receiving treatment for panic disorder with Sertraline, abrupt discontinuation of the medication precipitated facial numbness symptoms such as a facial prickling sensation. However, dose tapering during discontinuation of this medication proved to be effective in reducing the frequency and occurrence of facial numbness altogether (3,4,5).
Additionally, this study also hypothesized that Sertraline-induced facial paraesthesia may be due to a hyperserotonergic state caused by how Sertraline functions (3,4).
A retrospective study on SSRI withdrawal indicated that after successful management, facial numbness is likely to rebound with continued treatment with Sertraline or other psychotropic medications (2,5).
Moreover, a study on SSRI-induced sensory disturbances, which involved a 26-year-old male undergoing treatment with a different SSRI medication, Fluoxetine, suggested that sensory disturbances resulting from SSRI use and withdrawal might have the potential to induce body dysmorphic disorders in certain individuals. Conversely, the use of SSRI medication, along with proper tapering and withdrawal under the guidance of a physician, has also been found effective in managing body dysmorphic disorders (6).
What factors can contribute to Sertraline-induced facial numbness?
Alongside abrupt medication withdrawal and serotonergic effects of Sertraline, several factors may play a role in contributing to Sertraline-induced facial numbness. These factors include (3,4,5,6):
- Individual sensitivity – Some individuals may be more sensitive to the effects of Sertraline, making them more prone to experiencing facial numbness.
- Dosage – Higher doses of Sertraline may increase the risk of side effects, including facial numbness.
- Duration of use – Long-term use of Sertraline may increase the likelihood of developing withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing the medication.
- Underlying conditions – The presence of certain underlying conditions such as Bell’s palsy or concurrent use of other medications may influence the likelihood of experiencing facial numbness.
What to do if Sertraline causes facial numbness?
If Sertraline causes facial numbness or unusual sensations, it is crucial to discuss it with your healthcare provider.Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms, conduct neccessary tests and determine whether facial numbness is related to Sertraline or has another underlying cause.
If your doctor finds that Sertraline is the cause of facial numbness, they may consider adjusting your dose to see if it might help alleviate this side effect.
If facial numbness persists or worsens, your doctor may advise discontinuing the medication. The best approach to discontinuing Sertraline involves tapering off the medication under close guidance and monitoring by your healthcare provider.
Additionally, your doctor may recommend transitioning you to other antidepressants, such as Mitarzapine, under their supervision to reduce the likelihood of rebound facial numbness.
Conclusion
Facial numbness is not a common side effect of Sertraline, but it may occur in rare cases. It is important for individuals using Sertraline to be aware of this possibility and to maintain constant and frequent consultations with their doctor.
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