Does Celexa Cause Frequent Urination? (3+ Factors)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 02/01/2024 | Next review date: 02/01/2026

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

Ivan Kahwa

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In this article, we will discuss whether Celexa (Citalopram) causes frequent urination. We will also discuss some case reports and the overall incidence of this side effect. We will also discuss what you should do if you are experiencing urinary side effects while taking Celexa.

Does Celexa cause frequent urination?

Celexa may cause frequent urination in some individuals. It is listed as a side effect, but it is not considered that common.

Celexa, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is an antidepressant used to treat mental health conditions like depression and anxiety (1).

Frequent urination is not a typical or common side effect of Celexa (2). There could be other factors that may make some people more sensitive to this side effect or this side effect may not be directly linked to the use of Celexa. In general other antidepressants like Trazodone, Sertraline, etc. may also cause this side effect.

It is important to keep a close eye on your side effects while being treated with antidepressants.

What does research suggest?

There is limited research indicating frequent urination caused by Citalopram. However, there are several studies indicating the urinary issues caused by the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in general. These issues are more common in people who are new to Citalopram or antidepressants in general, or people who have underlying urinary problems.

In a research study, it was found that in males the use of specific antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is associated with a higher occurrence of overactive bladder (OAB) and more severe OAB symptoms (3).

Another study indicated that Celexa caused a small increase in urethral pressure suggesting that Celexa is unlikely to lower urethral pressure and make stress urinary incontinence (SUI) worsen in women (4).

Another study observed the effects of SSRIs on new users. They found that these medications were linked to an increased risk of urinary incontinence. Compared to those not taking SSRIs, the risk was 1.75 times higher for people on these drugs (5).

For every 1000 patients taking SSRIs, about 14 extra cases of urinary incontinence occur each year. The risk was even higher for elderly patients, with 60 extra cases per 1000 patients per year (5).

These research studies indicate that Citalopram can cause urinary retention. Some people may experience frequent urination as well. Always remember that everyone may not experience these side effects while taking Citalopram.

What factors can contribute to Citalopram-induced urinary problems?

Several patient-specific factors and health conditions can contribute to Citalopram-induced urinary problems. Firstly individual sensitivity can vary; some people may be more prone to experience these side effects than others.

Additionally, underlying health conditions, such as a history of urinary issues or conditions affecting the bladder, may amplify the likelihood of urinary problems with Celexa.

Furthermore, the concurrent use of other medications alongside Celexa can potentially enhance these side effects.

Healthcare providers need to consider these factors when prescribing Celexa to ensure the best possible treatment plan while minimizing unwanted effects on the urinary system.

What to do if Celexa causes urinary problems?

If you are experiencing urinary problems while taking Citalopram, it is important to discuss them with your healthcare provider. They may gradually reduce the medication’s dose to see if that helps alleviate the issue.

However, if Celexa continues to cause urinary problems, your healthcare provider may discontinue the medication gradually. Celexa may take some time to leave your system. Do not discontinue the medication abruptly as it results in withdrawal symptoms.

Always have a conversation with your healthcare provider who can guide you through the process, and potentially switch to a different medication, or explore other suitable treatment options. Always remember not to make any changes to your treatment plan on your own.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, frequent urination is not typically listed as a common side effect of Celexa (Citalopram). However, individual responses to medications can vary, and some people may experience changes in urinary habits while taking Celexa. If you are concerned about urinary symptoms or changes while on Celexa, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare practitioner, who can assess your specific situation and provide guidance on appropriate management.