Can Citalopram cause weight gain? (3 whys)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article. we will discuss whether Citalopram can cause weight gain. We will also discuss what research has to say about this topic and what you should do if this side effect occurs.
Can Citalopram cause weight gain?
Yes, Citalopram (Celexa) has the potential to lead to weight gain. It is one of the most frequent side effects associated with the use of this medication. However, not everyone will encounter this particular side effect (1). This is because research studies have shown that individuals respond differently to different medications.
Mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, manifest differently in different individuals. Some people may find themselves eating more, often as a result of stress-eating, while others may experience a decreased appetite and consume less (3).
These variations significantly influence how antidepressants affect appetite and the specific side effects they may generate in one’s body. Therefore, if you observe weight gain while taking this medication, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider.
What does research suggest?
Research studies indicate that Citalopram can lead to weight gain through its influence on appetite. These studies reveal that Citalopram, along with other selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs), might enhance appetite, resulting in an increased calorie intake (2,5).
As an antidepressant, this medication can also be associated with side effects such as anxiety, stress and mood disturbances during the early stages of treatment, which may further impact changes in appetite and weight gain (2,3,5).
It takes time for the body to adapt to this antidepressant, as is common with most medications. During this adjustment period, changes in mood can trigger unusual cravings for unhealthy foods, contributing to weight gain.
If emotional cravings are indulged while taking this medication, weight gain is likely to occur. However, it is worth noting that Citalopram is also associated with weight loss as a side effect. The specific weight-related side effects can vary depending on how an individual’s body responds to the medication, as mentioned earlier.
Furthermore, prolonged use of this antidepressant is associated with a noticeable increase in weight (4,5).
What factors can influence Citalopram weight gain?
Numerous factors may contribute to Citalopram-induced weight gain including:
- Metabolic changes – Antidepressant medications like Citalopram can affect your metabolism. They may induce slow metabolism, making it easier to gain weight.
- Fluid retention – Some individuals may experience fluid retention as a side effect of this medication, which may lead to weight gain.
- Individual variation – As earlier mentioned, some may people experience weight gain with this medication as people react differently to medications.
- Duration of use – Weight gain associated with Citalopram may become more significant with long-term use.
- Medication dosage- Higher doses of this medication are more likely to cause weight gain.
- Carbohydrate cravings – Citalopram may influence carbohydrate cravings which may lead to binge-eating and weight gain.
What to do if Citalopram makes you gain weight?
There are a few things you can do if you encounter Citalopram-induced weight gain. These include:
Consult your healthcare provider and follow prescription instructions
The most important thing to do before taking this medication is to talk to your healthcare provider and understand its associated side effects.
If you experience weight gain while taking this medication, you should promptly inform your healthcare provider. Your doctor will assess your specific situation and provide guidance tailored to your needs.
If you are significantly gaining weight while using Citalopram, this medication might not be the right choice of antidepressant for you. Your doctor may switch you to a different antidepressant with a lower potential for weight gain, under their guidance, or reduce your medication dosage.
While using this medication, it is vital to follow your prescriber’s instructions on how to use the medication and for how long. Do not use Citalopram chronically if your doctor has not advised it.
Practice mindful eating
It is important to consciously eat mindfully if you are gaining weight while using this antidepressant. As earlier mentioned, this medication may trigger emotional cravings in the earlier phases of treatment. You must fight through these cravings and make good eating choices.
Additionally, if Citalopram causes changes in appetite, promoting excessive hunger, you should make sure to choose healthy foods and maintain a low-calorie diet to satisfy your hunger. This way you avoid filling your body with unnecessary calories that may be stored as fat in your body and avoid weight gain.
Exercise
While medication-induced weight gain can be tricky to lose, exercise should be an important part of your daily routine. Persistent exercise and maintaining a good diet can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Physical activity may also help reduce your depression and anxiety by releasing endorphins. This helps manage weight gain by reducing cravings and binge eating.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored the potential of Citalopram to cause weight gain. Additionally, we have discussed factors that may influence this side effect and management strategies if weight gain occurs.
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