Does Celexa cause glaucoma? (3+ side effects)
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 glaucoma?” We will also discuss the mechanism by which Celexa induces glaucoma, how to avoid glaucoma associated with Celexa, and the other possible side effects you might experience while using Celexa.
Does Celexa cause glaucoma?
Yes, Celexa can cause glaucoma in certain individuals. Celexa (Citalopram) is a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant that inhibits serotonin reuptake in the brain and peripheral system. It is an FDA-approved medication that is used for the management of depression disorders (1).
Nevertheless, like many other pharmaceuticals, Celexa is linked to various side effects, including its serotonergic and mild anticholinergic effects. Celexa-induced alpha-adrenergic, anticholinergic and serotonergic effects can potentially contribute to glaucoma in some patients, making it contraindicated for individuals with pre-existing glaucoma (2,3,4).
Mydriasis is the most common effect produced by Citalopram in the eye, ultimately leading to the development of angle-closure glaucoma. Therefore, it is essential to recognize that while not everyone who takes this medication will experience this side effect, caution is advised when using Celexa if you have a history of glaucoma (3,4).
Why does Celexa cause glaucoma?
Celexa induces glaucoma by elevating intraocular pressure (IOP) in certain individuals. As previously mentioned, Celexa inhibits serotonin reuptake and cholinergic receptors, along with causing mydriasis. These mechanisms result in elevated intraocular pressure in some individuals, ultimately leading to the development of glaucoma (4).
Intraocular pressure is usually dependent on the amount of aqueous humour in the interior chamber of the eye. Elevated serotonin levels and pupil dilation (mydriasis) affect the eye’s drainage angle, potentially leading to elevated intraocular pressure and contributing to the development of glaucoma (3,4,5).
What does research suggest?
While the exact mechanism through which antidepressant medications can lead to glaucoma is not fully understood, multiple research studies have proposed various mechanisms including the following:
One research study, which investigated the case of a 54-year-old lady who developed acute angle-closure glaucoma due to an overdose of Citalopram, suggested that Citalopram may directly affect the iris and ciliary body muscle through serotonergic and anti-cholinergic mechanisms, making her more susceptible to acute angle-closure glaucoma (5,7).
Furthermore, a separate study expanded on this information by hypothesizing that Citalopram’s actions on alpha1 adrenergic receptors, 5HT2C and 5HT7 serotonergic receptors, and muscarinic receptors might potentially raise intraocular pressure and cause mydriasis, which can lead to glaucoma (4,7).
Several studies have also postulated that the use of SSRI medications is linked to an increased likelihood of glaucoma (5,6,7).
How is Celexa-induced glaucoma managed in clinical settings?
The primary goal of managing Celexa-induced glaucoma in clinical settings is to decrease intraocular pressure, which can be achieved through the following approaches:
- Miotic medications such as Pilorcapine and Anticholinesterase drugs such as Physostigmine are useful in promoting pupil constriction and managing angle glaucoma.
- Beta-blocker medications such as timolol may be useful in reducing aqueous humour production and intraocular pressure.
- Carbonic anhydrase medications like acetazolamide are also useful in decreasing aqueous humour and intraocular pressure.
How to prevent Celexa-induced glaucoma?
In order to prevent Celexa-induced glaucoma, individuals being considered for Citalopram therapy should undergo screening for a shallow anterior chamber (9). Your physician will conduct a penlight test to assess the depth of the anterior chamber.
For patients with a narrow anterior chamber or a previous history of glaucoma, the doctor will then develop a safe and effective treatment plan with Celexa while carefully monitoring the individual’s intraocular pressure (3,9).
If you experience symptoms such as severe headaches, eye pain, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, eye redness and halos around lights while taking Celexa, it is important to seek immediate medical assistance from your primary healthcare provider. Your doctor may consider adjusting your medication dosage or discontinuing this medication under their surveillance to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Other ocular side effects of Celexa
While taking Celexa, you might experience other ocular side effects such as (9):
- Dry eyes.
- Cataracts.
- Blurred vision.
It is advisable to maintain frequent and constant consultations with your healthcare provider to mimize the likelihood of experiencing these side effects.
Conclusion
While research findings on the mechanism of Citalopram-induced glaucoma remain inconclusive, it is essential to report any vision-related concerns to your healthcare provider. Additionally, closely monitoring your treatment while taking this medication is important in order to minimize the risk of ocular side effects, including galucoma.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
2.-
3.-
4.-
5.-
6.-
7.-
8.-
9.-
10.-
Find a supportive therapist who can help with Depression.
Discover the convenience of BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connecting you with licensed and accredited therapists specialized in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Complete the assessment and find your ideal therapist within just 48 hours.
AskYourPharm is user-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site
