Does Sertraline cause sneezing? (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 sneezing associated with Sertraline – a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). We will also discuss what one should do if this side effect occurs.
Does Sertraline cause sneezing?
Yes, Sertraline may cause sneezing in some individuals. While Sneezing is not a common side effect of Sertraline, it is important to note that individuals can react differently to medications, and some uncommon or rare side effects may occur.
Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is commonly used to treat depression, anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions. Along with its useful effects, it may produce some uncommon and rare side effects including sneezing and flu-like symptoms (1).
Always keep the lines of communication open with your healthcare provider to ensure your medication is working well for you and that all side effects are properly addressed.
What factors can contribute to Sertraline-induced sneezing?
Sertraline-induced sneezing is not a common side effect, but it can occur in some individuals (2). There is limited information available on the exact mechanism behind this side effect but several factors can contribute to it:
Allergic reaction: Some individuals may be sensitive to Sertraline or any of its inactive ingredients, leading to sneezing as an allergic response.
Concurrent medications: The use of other medications along with Sertraline could increase the risk of sneezing as a side effect. Drug interactions can sometimes result in unexpected symptoms.
Individual variations: People can respond differently to medications because of their unique genetic makeup. Some people may experience uncommon side effects than others.
Underlying conditions: Pre-existing medical conditions or allergies may make some individuals more susceptible to experiencing sneezing as a side effect.
Frequency and duration of sneezing caused by Sertraline
Although sneezing is not a common side effect, when it occurs, its frequency and duration are typically mild and transient. In rare cases where Sertraline is linked to sneezing, it often happens infrequently and does not persist for an extended period.
If you experience bothersome sneezing with Sertraline, reach out to your healthcare provider. They can assess your specific situation and recommend appropriate adjustments to your treatment plan if needed.
There is limited scientific research specifically addressing the relationship between sertraline and sneezing and this side effect is not well-documented in medical literature. However, other SSRIs like Escitalopram may produce sneezing as a common side effect (3).
What to do if Sertraline causes sneezing?
If someone experiences this side effect or any unusual symptoms while taking Sertraline, it is essential to consult your doctor or healthcare provider.
They can assess the situation and determine if sneezing is related to the medication or any other underlying medical condition. They can make appropriate recommendations including dose adjustment or considering alternative treatments if necessary.
Tips to manage sneezing during Sertraline use
Here are some general tips for managing sneezing during Sertraline use:
- Take over-the-counter antihistamines to relieve sneezing like Benadryl and Coricidin but make sure to consult with your healthcare provider before taking these medications with Sertraline as they may increase side effects like sedation and drowsiness in some people.
- Use saline nasal sprays or rinses to relieve nasal congestion.
- Drink plenty of fluids to thin mucous and reduce sneezing.
- Get adequate rest and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while sneezing is not a common side effect of Sertraline use, it is important to note that individual reactions to medications can vary as some people may experience sneezing with sertraline use while others do not. Always communicate with your healthcare providers to ensure the safe and effective management of mental health conditions and any associated medication side effects.
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