Does Celexa Cause Acne? (+3 facts)

In this brief article we will answer some questions like, “Does Celexa cause acne”?; What does scientific research suggest and when should you take medical advice?

Does Celexa cause acne?

Yes, Celexa can cause acne in patients taking this antidepressant. Patients may notice itchiness, lump rash (hives), or nettle rash (urticaria) which can be the initial signs of an allergic reaction of Celexa. You should seek medical advice immediately if such signs appear. 

Although acne is not a common symptom of taking Celexa, there are chances of acne in 1 in every 100 people who take this medication. Not everyone taking Celexa will suffer from acne, and the prevalence of acne may vary from person to person but if you have persistent acne, make sure to consult your health care provider.

What does scientific research suggest?

To date, there are limited scientific pieces of evidence linking Celexa directly to acne. Several researchers have investigated the potential side effects of Celexa, including skin and appendage disorders from which most frequent were allergic reactions like eczema, dermatitis, acne, urticaria, and psoriasis but these results have been inconsistent. 

A notable study was conducted by the department of dermatology at a leading medical university aimed to investigate the association of acne with Celexa. The study involved more than 500 participants who were taking Celexa for at least six months and majority and they reported skin related concerns. 

One potential indirect link between Celexa and Acne lies in its impact on hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalance particularly increased androgens (testosterone), are known to be the contributing factor to acne development. However, the extent to which Celexa affects hormones and whether this contributes to acne remains a subject of ongoing research and debate (1)

Managing Acne while taking Celexa: Expert Tips and Advice

Managing good skincare routine practice and staying hydrated is of great significance for managing and preventing acne. You should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, observe regular cleansing, prevent frequently touching the face, avoid excessive sun exposure, and use non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) skin care products.

Acne may also occur due to stress. Stress may not only make skin unhealthy; it can also reduce the efficacy of antidepressants. (2)

Several studies also suggest that eating oily and processed food can have unhealthy effects on your skin. It is recommended to avoid oily or processed food and use fresh fruits and vegetables while on antidepressant treatment. 

Avoid using grape fruit juice, alcohol, St John’s wort and tyramine rich food as they can show drug-food interaction with Celexa.

When to get consultation from health care provider?

If you are suffering from Celexa- induced acneiform eruption, that is getting severe and uncontrollable, it is essential for you to immediately discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider or dermatologist. Your healthcare provider may reduce the dose of the antidepressant or switch to a different antidepressant medication within the SSRI class or alternative treatment options may be considered.

You should never discontinue the medication without consulting with your health-care provider. Your health-care provider can access your individual case, explore alternate treatments, or recommend skin care routines to manage acne while continuing with your prescribed treatment plan.

Although Celexa may cause acne, you should never reduce the dose or stop taking Celexa on your own. Always seek medical advice first.

Conclusion

In this article we have discussed Celexa induced acne, chances of its occurrence and when should you get consultation from your health care provider. 

References