I have been on 20mg of citalopram for nearly six weeks. I am now quite constipated and bloated. In the last week or so when I feel hot my arms and legs start feeling prickly,no rash and it only last a minute or so. Has anyone else experienced this? I switched from Sertraline which I took for 5 weeks but started getting very real vivid dreams and was concerned it may raise my blood sugar as I'm prediabetic and have tried hard to get my Hbca1 down to normal . I believe citalopram is good for blood sugar. I really am reluctant to try yet another AD so wondering if this prickly feeling will go or if it's even related to citalopram. I am feeling better taking this medication (low mood and irritability a lot better). Also will my sleep improve and constipation get better? Thanks for any advice or thoughts.
How do I know if my prickly skin is caused by citalopram or not?
Question posted by Sulfate on 10 Aug 2023
Last updated on 10 August 2023
Answers
Hello,
Paresthesia (burning-prickling sensation felt in arms, feet or legs) and constipation are considered common side effects affecting 1% to 10% and insomnia a very common one affecting up to 18.8% of people being treated with this antidepressant.
These side effects should have subsided by now, I suggest you inform your DR., and ask him/her what you can take for the constipation that does not interact with your med as well as a sleeping aid.
Regards, masso
Researching your question a bit deeper I came across the following information which you should be aware of :
Paresthesia (sometimes known as “paresthesia of skin”) is a very common experience. Everyone experiences it at some point, and it can happen for many reasons. Many of the common causes are harmless and are just a reflection of how your body works normally. But in some cases, paresthesia can signal a medical issue.
There are two main forms of paresthesia:
Transient (temporary): This is the more common type. As the name suggests, it doesn’t last long. An example would be a brief tingling or pins-and-needles feeling in your leg if you sat a certain way too long. Once you extend your leg, the feeling should return to normal.
Persistent (chronic): This is when paresthesia lingers and doesn’t go away. It’s generally a symptom of issues that may need medical attention. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome are relatively minor ways that persistent paresthesia can happen. But you can also have persistent paresthesia from a lack of circulation or nerve damage, both of which are often more serious.
Source: Cleveland Clinic
Ask/inform your Dr. about your Paresthesia and also the use of Probiotics for your constipation:
"Probiotics are not laxatives and their purpose is not to stimulate a bowel movement but taking probiotics can be helpful to people suffering from constipation. Researchers have concluded that probiotics can help with constipation due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and help regulate bowel movements."
Related topics
constipation, skin rash, citalopram, skin
Further information
- Citalopram uses and safety info
- Citalopram prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Citalopram (detailed)
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