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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Nasal Congestion, Post Nasal Drip And Persistant Cough?

In the 2 months I have been taking citalopram, I have also had nasal congestion, post nasal drip, and a persistant cough from the post nasal drip. It is hard to sleep at night because of it, and i have coughing fits during the day. I ve used Claritin, Mucinex and cough drops to manage the cough, but the situation is getting neither better nor worse. Could this be because of the citalopram (20 mg per day)? If so, how do I wean off of it?
Sat, 7 Nov 2020
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Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist 's  Response
Hello,

Citalopram usually doesn't cause these symptoms directly. Most often these symptoms are associated with the allergies. Allergy test will be helpful to identify the causative agent so you can avoid that. It can be pollen, house dust or even changing weather. I will suggest to continue Tab Claritin once a day and add Flonase nasal spray 2 puffs twice a day and steam inhalation with some Vicks in it. You can also do some warm saline gargles twice a day to relive swelling and pain in the throat.

Any cough suppressant can be taken like (Dayquil/Niquil) since they will only be slightly helpful until the main cause is treated which is to decrease the affects of allergy/post nasal drip etc. The treatment of allergy requires lot of patience and stickling to the combination of above treatment because results are slow to come. If symptoms persist or if there is difficulty in breathing then please get a chest X-ray and consult your local doctor.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Omair Choudhry, Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
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What Causes Nasal Congestion, Post Nasal Drip And Persistant Cough?

Hello, Citalopram usually doesn t cause these symptoms directly. Most often these symptoms are associated with the allergies. Allergy test will be helpful to identify the causative agent so you can avoid that. It can be pollen, house dust or even changing weather. I will suggest to continue Tab Claritin once a day and add Flonase nasal spray 2 puffs twice a day and steam inhalation with some Vicks in it. You can also do some warm saline gargles twice a day to relive swelling and pain in the throat. Any cough suppressant can be taken like (Dayquil/Niquil) since they will only be slightly helpful until the main cause is treated which is to decrease the affects of allergy/post nasal drip etc. The treatment of allergy requires lot of patience and stickling to the combination of above treatment because results are slow to come. If symptoms persist or if there is difficulty in breathing then please get a chest X-ray and consult your local doctor. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Omair Choudhry, Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist