Night Sweats: The Impact of Citalopram and Risperidone

Q: Night Sweats: The Impact of Citalopram and Risperidone

Hello： Side effects caused by medication may gradually diminish as the body adapts, but if discomfort persists, it is advisable to schedule an earlier follow-up appointment with your physician for a safer discussion. <br>Wishing you well.

Medication Issues: Antidepressants

Hello Doctor,
Thank you for taking the time to respond amidst your busy schedule.
I started taking antidepressants around September of last year.
Initially, I was prescribed sertraline, but I had an adverse reaction, so I switched to citalopram, gradually increasing the dosage from 5 mg to 20 mg.
Although my mood has stabilized somewhat, I still lack motivation in life.
Therefore, the doctor prescribed Wellbutrin XL (150 mg) for me, but I experienced an allergic reaction after three days of use (large red, itchy patches on my lower back), leading to discontinuation of the medication.
Later, the doctor increased my citalopram dosage to 25 mg, but the effect was still not significant, so he added Risperidone (0.25 mg), stating that it could enhance the effects of citalopram.
I have been taking it for about 20 days now and have recently started to force myself to exercise more.
However, since starting Risperidone, I have begun experiencing night sweats (with normal room temperature).
Initially, I didn't think much of it, but now I find myself needing to change clothes daily due to the level of dampness in my sheets.
I have mentioned this to my primary doctor, but he seems to dismiss it and suggested that if I am concerned, I should see a family physician for further evaluation.
Could the issue of night sweats be related to the combination of Risperidone and citalopram? If I endure this for a while, will this condition likely improve? Thank you for your response.

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/02/12

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Hello: Side effects caused by medication may gradually diminish as the body adapts, but if discomfort persists, it is advisable to schedule an earlier follow-up appointment with your physician for a safer discussion.
Wishing you well.

Reply Date: 2018/02/12

More Info

Night sweats can be a distressing side effect of certain medications, particularly those used in the treatment of mental health conditions. In your case, you are taking Citalopram, an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), and Risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic. Both of these medications can influence the body's thermoregulation and lead to increased sweating, especially at night.

Citalopram is known to cause various side effects, including sweating, which can be attributed to its impact on serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin plays a role in regulating mood, but it also affects other bodily functions, including temperature regulation. Increased serotonin levels can lead to hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), particularly in the upper body and during sleep.

Risperidone, on the other hand, can also contribute to sweating. Atypical antipsychotics like Risperidone can affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions, including sweating. The combination of these two medications may amplify the side effects, leading to more pronounced night sweats.

Regarding your question about whether this issue is related to the combination of Citalopram and Risperidone, it is indeed plausible. The interaction between these medications can lead to an increase in side effects, including night sweats. It is also important to note that individual responses to medication can vary significantly. While some patients may experience side effects, others may not.

As for whether these symptoms will diminish over time, it is possible. Many patients find that their bodies adjust to new medications, and side effects may lessen after a few weeks. However, this is not guaranteed, and if the night sweats continue to be bothersome, it is crucial to communicate this with your prescribing physician. They may consider adjusting your medication regimen or exploring alternative treatments that may have a lower risk of causing night sweats.

In the meantime, there are some strategies you can employ to manage night sweats. Keeping your bedroom cool, using breathable bedding, and wearing moisture-wicking sleepwear can help alleviate discomfort. Additionally, practicing good sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule and avoiding stimulants before bedtime, may also improve your overall sleep quality.

If your doctor seems dismissive of your concerns, it may be worth seeking a second opinion or consulting with a specialist in psychiatry who can provide more insight into your symptoms and treatment options. It is essential to advocate for your health and well-being, especially when experiencing side effects that significantly impact your quality of life.

In summary, the night sweats you are experiencing are likely related to the combination of Citalopram and Risperidone. While there is a chance that these symptoms may improve over time, it is essential to monitor your condition closely and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. If the symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation and potential adjustments to your treatment plan may be necessary.

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