Does Celexa cause bone loss? (7+ risk groups)
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
This article will answer the question, “Does Celexa cause bone loss?” We will also discuss potential risk factors and tips to prevent bone loss while taking Celexa.
Does Celexa cause bone loss?
Yes, Celexa (Citalopram) can cause bone loss. Celexa has been associated with an increased risk of bone loss. Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication, used for treating depression and anxiety. Celexa can also be used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Celexa can disrupt bone formation, causing an imbalance between bone breakdown and build-up. Generally, higher doses of SSRIs, including Citalopram, elevate the risk of bone loss.
What does research suggest?
Research suggests that the use of SSRIs, including Celexa (Citalopram), may harm bone health.
One comprehensive review of 19 studies examining the effects of SSRIs on bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk found evidence of a potential association between SSRIs and bone loss-related fractures. This review indicated that SSRIs could weaken bones, increasing the risk of osteoporotic fractures. (1)
Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis that analysed 16 studies reported that users of SSRIs were 1.7 times more prone to develop bone fractures than non-users, further suggesting a potential detrimental effect on BMD. (2)
Further research hypothesises that chronic use of SSRIs may reduce bone formation, resulting in an imbalance between bone breakdown and build-up, ultimately contributing to bone loss. (3)
Studies have consistently reported bone loss and reduced BMD associated with these antidepressant medications, emphasising the importance of considering potential bone health risks when using SSRIs. (4)
Another study indicated a higher risk of bone loss in postmenopausal women because of osteoporosis and decreased bone density. (5)
It is essential to be aware of these findings and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider, particularly if you are taking or considering Celexa or other SSRIs.
What factors increase the risk of bone loss while taking Celexa?
Several factors can increase the risk of bone loss and osteoporosis while taking Citalopram (Celexa) or other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): (4,5)
- Age: Osteoporosis risk tends to rise with age, making older individuals more susceptible.
- Ethnicity: White and Asian people are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.
- Family History: If you have a family member, especially a parent or sibling, with osteoporosis, especially if they’ve experienced a hip fracture, your risk increases.
- Body Frame Size: People with smaller body frames are at a higher risk because they may have less bone mass.
- Medical Conditions: Certain health conditions like celiac disease, IBS, liver or kidney disease, cancer and arthritis can elevate the risk of osteoporosis.
- Lifestyle Choices: Sedentary living, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and inadequate nutrition, particularly low calcium or vitamin D intake, can contribute to the risk of osteoporosis.
- Menopausal Women: Women who use SSRIs like Celexa to manage menopausal symptoms are also at a heightened risk of bone loss.
What to do if Citalopram is affecting your bones?
If you are taking Celexa and are concerned about its potential impact on your bones, here are some steps you can take:
Talk to your healthcare provider
Open communication with your healthcare provider is crucial. Discuss your concerns about the effects of the medication on your bones. They can assess your risk factors and provide guidance accordingly.
Consider getting a bone density test, also known as a DXA scan. This test measures your bone mineral density. This evaluation is important to know if you have osteoporosis or are at risk of developing it.
Lifestyle changes
Implementing a healthy lifestyle is paramount in supporting and preserving bone health. Regular exercise can help maintain bone density and health. A balanced diet rich in calcium and minerals is also important. Include lean protein and dairy products in your diet to keep yourself fit.
Caffeine should be limited when taking Celexa or any other SSRI such as Sertraline. In addition, smoking cessation and limiting alcohol also reduce the risk of bone loss.
Medication considerations
Depending on your risk factors and bone health status, your healthcare provider may recommend specific medications, such as supplements, to prevent or treat osteoporosis.
Maintaining your mental health treatment is essential. Abruptly discontinuing antidepressant medication can have adverse effects on your mental well-being. Follow the advice of your doctor completely.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the relationship between Citalopram (Celexa) and its potential impact on bone health is a matter of growing concern.
Research suggests that the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including Celexa, may be associated with an increased risk of bone loss and fractures.
While the precise mechanisms behind this link are not fully understood, it is evident that individual factors such as age, gender, family history, and lifestyle choices can further influence this risk.
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