Does anyone get runny & mild nose bleeds while on Citalopram 20mg?

Posted , 4 users are following.

I've been in Citalopram 20mg since January, & noticed my nose is watery usually when i eat a cooked meal. My nose is usually stuffy on waking & blowing it hard there was a trace if blood. The rest if the time my nose is clear, but over the last 2 weeks it bleeds a a few spots for a few seconds if it gets runny or if I blow it. I have been a bit bad in using cotton wool buds or tissues to investigate! I read Citalopram can cause runny nose & dry mouth. Just so you know, I suffer with health anxiety so my imagination & googling has made me concerned. For the past month the GP prescribed me some Diazepam 5mg, apart from that I'm on HRT. I'm 55 years old, no other relevant family history. I would be most grateful to hear any similar experiences &/or advice.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    Blowing your nose hard can cause little blood vessels inside your nose to perforate, hence the blood. Interestingly though, Citalopram affects how blood clots as it affect blood platelets, so possibly why its easier for your nose to bleed. No need to worry though as this could actually be a good thing as it protects against having a heart attack.

    When I took Citalopram I could no longer give blood due to the reduced clotting.

    • Posted

      Hi katecogs,

      Thank you for your reply, i was beginning to think it was something more serious, as I suffer with Health anxiety I tend to be over attentive & keep checking, which doesn't help the healing process!

      I am trying to ignore all this for now, but haven't managed to leave my nose alone for more than 24 hours! I will try to be more patient, & have Dr's telephone review end of April so if I'm still concerned I could take it further with him.

  • Posted

    Hi I've recently started citalopram but I'm only take half 10mg tablet (as felt so bad on full 10mg ) I have a very stuffy runny nose especially in the morning! I thought it was hayfever till I read that one of citalopram side effects was runny nose! Hope it settles as hayfever season is round the corner & I wont know which is which!

    I'm sure it's nothing for you to worry about & I've had a little bleeding too...

    • Posted

      Hi keepcalm,

      thanks also for getting back to me & sharing your experience. As i explained to katecogs I suffer with health anxiety and I was thinking that this was due to something more serious that I'd overlooked. After reading both of your posts, I'm feeling comfort in not being alone with these symptoms, & will try not to imagine other scenarios. Ive got a delivery coming today fir nasal rinse with salt & aloe vera & a tub of vaseline which I will apply carefully & hope these methods help ease the problems. Hope you are well & keeping calm!!

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