Does Celexa cause dry eyes? (3 mechanisms)
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 address the question: Does Celexa cause dry eyes? We will also explore the mechanism behind this side effect, discuss potential factors contributing to Celexa-induced dy eyes, and potential treatments.
Does Celexa cause dry eyes?
Yes, Celexa, also known as Citalopram, can cause dry eyes in some individuals. Although it is a rare occurrence, Celexa and other selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) medications have been reported to induce or worsen dry eyes associated with depression (1,2,5).
Typically, Celexa-induced dry eyes normally manifest with symptoms like a burning and gritty sensation, as well as blurry vision. These symptoms are most frequently experienced during the initial phases of treatment and are linked to Celexa’s effects on the eye’s physiological aqueous and mucus secretion (2,3).
However, it is important to recognize that the severity of this side effect varies depending on an individual’s response to the medication. Not everyone taking this medication will encounter dry eyes as a side effect.
If you do experience this side effect while using Celexa, it is important to promptly seek medical advice.
What does research suggest?
Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used for managing mood disorders. This medication primarily affects serotonergic receptors while having minimal impact on cholinergic and histamine receptors (1,2).
Although there is limited research connecting Celexa with dry eyes, several studies have associated SSRI medications with this side effect due to the following mechanisms:
Serotonin regulation and tear production – Celexa’s primary mechanism involves elevating serotonin levels in the body. The increased serotonin in the tear film triggers inflammatory reactions that affect ocular surface integrity, potentially leading to dry eyes (2,3,4).
Anticholinergic effects – SSRI medications have minimal anticholinergic properties, which can interfere with nervous functions that control tear production. This anticholinergic effect diminishes the stimulation of tear glands, resulting in reduced tear and conjunctival mucus production, ultimately causing dry eyes (2).
Conversely, mood disorders such as depression can reduce tear secretion and elevate inflammatory markers in the eyes. Therefore, during the early stages of treatment, Celexa may exacerbate depression-related dry eyes in some individuals (4).
Furthermore, due to its sedative properties, Celexa causes reduced blinking which leads to insufficient spread of tears on the eye’s surface contributing to dry eyes upon waking up.
What factors can contribute to Celexa-induced dry eyes?
Some individuals may be more susceptible to Celexa-induced dry eyes due to their unique physiology and other factors such as:
- Medication dosage – Higher doses of Celexa are likely to increase the risk of Celexa-induced dry eyes.
- Duration of use – Prolonged use of this medication is associated with dry eyes.
- Concurrent medications – Using Celexa alongside other medications with anticholinergic properties increases the likelihood of this side effect.
- Underlying health conditions – Pre-existing ocular conditions could predispose an individual to dry eyes or worsen Celexa-induced dry eyes.
- Environmental factors – Exposure to allergens, heating systems and low humidity may exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
- Age – Tear production naturally decreases with age predisposing older individuals to dry eyes.
What to do if you encounter Celexa-induced dry eyes?
If you experience dry eyes while taking this medication, it is important to consult your healthcare provider. Discussing your symptoms with your doctor is important in determining whether the causative agent is the medication or other underlying factors.
If your symptoms are Celexa-related, your healthcare provider may recommend adjusting your medication dosage to reduce the likelihood of this side effect. Additionally, they may also recommend switching you to a different antidepressant, under their guidance. This medication requires gradual dose tapering to minimize the likelihood of experiencing withdrawal side effects.
Your doctor may also prescribe artificial tears to help alleviate dry eye symptoms by supplementing the eye’s natural tear film. This alleviates discomfort and reduces dry eyes.
Staying well-hydrated is also useful in managing dry eyes. You should drink plenty of water to support tear production.
While it seems odd, it is important to blink regularly to promote tear spread on the eye surface.
Conclusion
Celexa-induced dry eyes are an uncomfortable side effect. Understanding the potential mechanisms and factors precipitating this side effect is important in determining management strategies you can employ to alleviate these side effects.
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