Does Sertraline cause hiccups? (+3 alternatives)
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 Sertraline is associated with causing hiccups. We will look at the connection between the mechanism of Sertraline and hiccups. We will also look at some common management strategies for hiccups.
Does Sertraline cause hiccups?
Sertraline may cause hiccups. Although, hiccups are not a very established side effect of Sertraline but can rarely occur in some patients.
Patients having eating disorders such as binge eating may trigger hiccups while starting on Sertraline. However, if you face hiccups as a frequent side effect after being on Sertraline, report it to your doctor for a dose adjustment or medication switch.
What does research suggest?
Research studies do not suggest a clear indication regarding the effects of Sertraline on hiccups. It has been proposed that Setraline may suppress hiccupping by acting on 5HT1 and 5HT2 receptors as well as on CNS (1).
Sertraline belongs to SSRI antidepressant drug class. Sertraline works by selectively binding to serotonin transporter having low affinity for other transporters and receptors, resulting in the induction of hiccups (2).
Many other psychotropic drugs are also associated with the induction or treatment of hiccups but the mechanisms are not clear (2)
A rare case report suggests that Sertraline was linked to inducing hiccups in a 12-year patient with OCD and ADHD. He was initiated with Sertraline 25mg and after some days upon increasing the dose of Sertraline to 50mg, he faced severe hiccups for 10 to 20 mins (3).
On the 17th day of treatment, Sertraline was discontinued and replaced with Escitalopram. It was observed that the hiccups did not appear over a follow-up period of 2 months (3).
This rarely reported case highlights a connection between Sertraline and the emergence of hiccups. SSRI drug administration is generally not reported with the occurrence of hiccups (3).
The research studies proposed that the modulation of dopaminergic activity in the brain or spinal cord caused by psychotropic drugs i.e. Sertraline, may play a significant role in the occurrence of hiccups (3).
Sertraline serves as a potent inhibitor of dopamine reuptake. The increase in Sertraline dose in the above-mentioned patient may have enhanced the dopaminergic state which induced hiccups (3).
What are the factors that may trigger hiccups?
Many factors may trigger hiccups including lifestyle modifications and some underlying health conditions such as (4):
- Head trauma
- Ischemic stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Brain infections (Encephalitis, Meningitis)
- Goitre
- Pharyngitis
- Irritation of tympanic membrane
- Gastritis
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Hepatitis
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Diabetes mellitus
- Stress
- Eating disorders (Anorexia and Bulimia nervosa)
- Myocardial infarction
Hiccups can also be triggered due to the ingestion of some toxic metabolites such as alcohol. Alcohol consumption may serve as a major factor in developing persistent hiccups (4).
Hiccups may also be triggered due to the use of some concomitant drugs including Dexamethasone, Diazepam, etc. which may cause hiccups as a side effect (4).
How to manage Sertraline-induced hiccups?
You can manage Sertraline-induced hiccups immediately by seeking medical help. You should monitor the exact timing and frequency of hiccups for further assistance from your medical health practitioner.
Your doctor should taper Sertraline dosage to avoid the occurrence of hiccups. If the problem persists, then he should recommend an alternate drug treatment.
If Sertraline is causing hiccups then your doctor might add a specific drug for its treatment in your regimen based on your health condition. Management of hiccups should always be directed towards the specific cause (1).
What are the medications to treat hiccups?
The medications that are used for the treatment of hiccups include (5):
- Chlorpromazine (the only FDA-approved medication for hiccups)
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Gabapentin
- Metoclopramide
- Nifedipine
- Baclofen
- Methylphenidate
The medications mentioned above have shown effective results for the treatment of hiccups to some extent. However, always consult your doctor before starting any of these mentioned drugs for treating hiccups.
Conclusion
We have discussed the occurrence of hiccups while being on Sertraline. We have also discussed the management of hiccups associated with Sertraline. We have discovered some medications used in treating hiccups.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Li Z, Xiong Z, Jiang X, Li Z, Yuan Y, Li X. Hiccups induced by aripiprazole combined with sertraline in an adolescent with olfactory reference disorder: A case report. Front Psychiatry. 2022 Jul 25;13:793716. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.793716. PMID: 35958634; PMCID: PMC9357877.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9357877/
2.-
Hosoya R, Ishii-Nozawa R, Kurosaki K, Uesawa Y. Analysis of Factors Associated with Hiccups Using the FAERS Database. Pharmaceuticals [Internet]. 2021 Dec 24;15(1):27. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ph15010027
3.-
Bilgiç, A. (2018). Possible Sertraline-Induced Hiccups in a Boy With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Clinical Neuropharmacology, 1. doi:10.1097/wnf.0000000000000311 https://journals.lww.com/clinicalneuropharm/abstract/2019/01000/possible_sertraline_induced_hiccups_in_a_boy_with.5.aspx
4.-
Brañuelas Quiroga J, Urbano García J, Bolaños Guedes J. Hiccups: a common problem with some unusual causes and cures. Br J Gen Pract. 2016 Nov;66(652):584–586. doi: 10.3399/bjgp16X687913. Erratum in: Br J Gen Pract. 2017 Jan;67(654):13. PMID: 27789508; PMCID: PMC5072913.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5072913/
5.-
Woelk CJ. Managing hiccups. Can Fam Physician. 2011 Jun;57(6):672-5, e198-201. Erratum in: Can Fam Physician. 2021 Feb;67(2):84. PMID: 21673211; PMCID: PMC3114667. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114667/
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