Does Celexa cause green poop? (3+ factors)
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 discuss whether Celexa can cause green poop. We will also discuss potential causes of green-coloured poop and what you should do if this side effect occurs.
Does Celexa cause green poop?
No, Celexa (Citalopram) does not necessarily cause green poop. Celexa is a commonly prescribed antidepressant and green poop is not a typical side effect of Celexa.
However, Celexa can cause diarrhoea in some people by increasing gastrointestinal motility. This can lead to changes in the colour of your stool including green poop.
Citalopram, sold under the brand name Celexa, is a prescription medication used to treat different mental health conditions including depression and anxiety (1).
Celexa is commonly associated with different common and less common side effects but the incidence of green-coloured stool is not known (2).
If you pass green-coloured stool while taking Celexa, remember this is not a side effect of this medication and you should consult your healthcare provider to get it thoroughly checked.
How does Celexa cause green poop?
Although Celexa is not directly linked to green poop, diarrhoea caused by Celexa can lead to changes in stool colour, including green poop, for several reasons.
Faster transit time: When you have diarrhoea your digestive system processes food and wastes more quickly. this results in partially digested food passing through your intestine, leading to changes in stool colour, including green.
Bile involvement: Bile, a digestive fluid normally green in colour, plays a significant role in stool colour. When food moves too quickly through your intestine due to diarrhoea, the bile may not have sufficient time to transform, leading to greenish stool.
What are the potential causes of green poop?
Although green poop can result from a number of factors, Celexa is not commonly associated with green stool as a side effect. Here are some potential causes of green stool:
Diet: The most common cause of green-coloured poop is the consumption of green-coloured foods such as leafy green vegetables, spinach or food containing green food colouring. Dietary changes can significantly impact stool colour.
Rapid movement in the digestive system: When food moves too quickly in the gastrointestinal system, it does not have enough time for the bile (typically green) to be broken down and turn brown. This may cause green poop.
Iron supplements: Some iron supplements are associated with green or dark-coloured stool (3). If you are taking supplements along with Celexa, this may be a primary cause.
Underlying gastrointestinal infections: Underlying gastrointestinal infections that affect the gut may result in green or dark-coloured stool.
Medication interactions: Celexa may interact with other medications or supplements you are taking that affect your digestive system. This interaction can contribute to green poop.
If you are concerned about green poop while taking Celexa, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. They can help you determine the cause and whether any changes in your medication or dietary habits are necessary.
They may also consider other factors related to your health and medication that could be contributing to the changes in colour.
Should you be concerned about the green poop on Celexa?
As explained in the previous section, Celexa does not change the colour of your stool as a side effect and green-coloured stool is not observed in every case.
However, if your poop appears darker than usual or has a red hue in it, reach out to your healthcare provider. Dark-coloured stools could be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with ulcers and it should be thoroughly checked.
Your doctor may ask for some stool tests to detect any abnormality or infection in your body.
Additional side effects of Celexa
Celexa is associated with different common and less common side effects.
Common side effects
Common side effects of Celexa are usually mid and moderate, and they tend to subside after 8-12 weeks of treatment in most individuals. These side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Acid reflux
- Dry mouth
- Night sweats
- Sexual side effects
- Weight changes
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
Rare side effects
Some rare side effects of Celexa include
- Bloating
- Jaw clenching
- Muscular or joint pain
- Tinnitus
- Irritability
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Celexa (Citalopram) is not typically associated with green poop as a direct side effect, green poop can result from various factors.
Changes in poop colour, including green poop, may be due to dietary choices, the rapid transit of food through the digestive system, iron supplements, gastrointestinal infections or conditions, or medication interactions.
If you experience green poop while taking Celexa, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the cause and address any underlying issues. They can provide personalized guidance and evaluate your specific situation to ensure your overall health and medication regimen are appropriate.
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