From the Research
Psychiatric medications can cause cough as a side effect, and if you're experiencing a persistent cough that began after starting a psychiatric medication, consult your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action, which may include reducing the dose, switching to a different medication, or prescribing treatments to manage the cough. The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2021, which provides an up-to-date clinical resource for providers who prescribe antipsychotics and includes information on how to manage adverse effects, including those that may cause cough 1. Some psychiatric medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine and sertraline, occasionally cause dry cough in some patients, while mood stabilizers like lithium can cause respiratory symptoms including cough. Antipsychotics, particularly clozapine, have been associated with significant coughing in some patients, with rates between 1-4% of users experiencing this side effect. The mechanism behind medication-induced cough often involves the drug's impact on neurotransmitters that regulate the cough reflex or irritation of the respiratory tract.
Some key points to consider when evaluating cough as a side effect of psychiatric medications include:
- The type of medication being taken, as some are more likely to cause cough than others
- The dose of the medication, as higher doses may be more likely to cause side effects
- The presence of other medical conditions that may be contributing to the cough
- The potential for other common causes of cough, such as respiratory infections, allergies, or acid reflux, which should be ruled out before attributing the cough to psychiatric medications. It's also worth noting that a study from 2020 provides a practical approach to the treatment and management of cough, emphasizing causes and potentiators, which may be helpful in evaluating and managing cough in patients taking psychiatric medications 2. Additionally, a study from 2015 found that coughing while eating and swallowing difficulties were associated with choking in psychiatric patients, highlighting the importance of careful evaluation and management of patients with these symptoms 3.
In terms of treatment options, a study from 2008 discusses the use of cough suppressants, including centrally acting opioids and peripherally acting antitussives, which may be effective in managing chronic cough, but notes that efficacy must be tested in double-blind randomized trials using validated measures of cough 4. An older study from 1994 highlights the importance of emergency evaluation and treatment of side effects caused by psychiatric medications, including those that may cause cough or other respiratory symptoms 5.