Can citalopram cause night sweats?

There are times when we develop certain symptoms that we can’t explain. One of such is night sweating. This condition could be very discomforting, especially if you have to keep changing your sheets and clothing or you sleep with a partner who doesn’t appreciate the extra moisture.

If you’re currently taking citalopram or plan on doing so in the future, then it’s essential to know whether it causes night sweats because let’s face it, no one wants to wake up every day feeling like they just had a shower in their sleepwear.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into this topic!

What is Citalopram?

Before discussing if citalopram causes night sweats, let’s first understand what citalopram is. Citalopram belongs to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain which helps regulate mood issues such as depression or anxiety.

It has been used for numerous years globally due to its effectiveness and tolerability profile[].

Night Sweating: An Overview

Night sweating refers to excessive perspiration during the hours when most people usually sleep[]. Often accompanied by hot flashes, rapid heartbeats or palpitations. It usually implies overheated homes/environment but having said that there are certainly some medications that can cause night time perspiration- including SSRIs such as Citalopram [].

The release of sweat from our body happens when we’re sleeping due to natural temperature regulations within our bodies []. Moreover stress hormones like cortisol also play their part here wherein they can trigger an increase in body temperature leading us towards sweating more often than usual whilst asleep- which isn’t really ideal at all!

Does Citalopram Cause Night Sweats?

Although not everyone experiences specific side effects while using citalopram, some people have reported night sweating while using the drug. In fact in 2009 a team of doctors wrote about this particular side effect and how important it is to make patients aware []. This phenomenon has been mentioned so frequently that there are reviews posted online devoted to such an experience [] .

The exact mechanism behind why SSRIs like Citalopram cause this sort of body temperature change (night sweats) isn’t exactly clear but it’s most likely down to changes in serotonin levels[]. Anyhow, the bottom line still remains- that they can cause it!  So if you’re someone who wakes up drenched on a regular basis after starting treatment with citalopram then it might be due to medication!

Moreover since every individual is slightly different biochemically speaking, the rate at which one develops night-time perspiration may vary from person-to-person. There might be times when Citalopram causes excessive sweating within first few weeks/months whereas for others symptoms may take longer timeframes.

How To Deal With Night Sweating?

Now let’s say you’re taking citalopram or already dealing with night sweats. Here’s what you can do:

Stay Cool

Keep Your bedroom cool by opening windows or installing air conditioning units especially during hot months of June/July/Aug/Sept/Oct – also known as trifecta of no-sleep seasons.

Avoid Spicy Foods

Try staying away from eating spicy meals too close before bed as these promote increase in body heat which exacerbates symptoms associated with night sweat conditions.

Shower Before Bed

Showering/washing your face just prior to sleep likewise helps settle your core tempertature further stopping the quantity and selection of warming hormones being received into overdrive during deep restorative sleep cycles necessary for optimum recovery & performance regulation etc.[]

Drinks lots Of Water

Water helps to cool off the body, drink lots of it throughout the day.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

Opt for cotton pyjamas or other garments that allows your skin to breathe at night is another great way so you’re not just adding more sweatiness into equation!            
 

Citalopram Side Effects

Citalopram causes various side effects which should be taken seriously if they persist:

  • Nausea and dizziness
  • Weight gain
  • Sexual dysfunction such as decreased sex drive
  • Blurred vision
  • Dry mouth []

It’s important to consult with your doctor before taking citalopram or any medication for depression-related issues. Being aware of potential side effects while on SSRIs can help make informed decisions about one’s health whilst optimizing results effectively & efficiently[].

Moreover do keep in mind that some of these symptoms might affect one person more than others i.e some may only suffer minimum adverse symptoms whereas someone else could experience a range of different possible adversities[][] . So always check in for a regular update with Doctor who has prescribed this medication.

Final Thoughts

So does citalopram cause night sweating? The answer is yes, it may trigger excessive sweating or perspiration during sleep hours thus disturbing our natural homeostasis mechanisms. However, all bodies are biochemically individual hence responses would be variable across individuals per se .

As we’ve seen above, knowing what night sweats are and how to deal with them when taking citalopram will significantly enhance our coping mechanism especially considering factors such as weather shifts [] , stress-levels etc .

Most importantly though being upfront with Doctor’s/Nurses/PTs whom you regularly follow up with by ensuring appropriate communication channels & monitoring practices around treatment plans seems essential – their expertise combined together provide clarity concerning alternatives available specific to each individual case s adequately managing potential downfalls associated with medication-related issues! 

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