Does Celexa cause loss of appetite?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
| Reviewed by
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
The contents of this article are fact-based except otherwise stated within the article.
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
Reviewer bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
In this brief article, we will discuss whether Celexa may cause a loss of appetite and explore what to do if you experience a loss of appetite as a result of taking Celexa. We will also examine research studies on appetite loss induced by Celexa and briefly mention the possibility of withdrawal symptoms and side effects associated with this medication.
Celexa (citalopram) may cause loss of appetite in some individuals. However, each person is unique and responds differently to treatments.
Talk to your healthcare provider if Celexa causes loss of appetite and this has a negative impact on your quality of life. In such cases, your doctor may attempt to adjust the treatment (1,2,3).
According to studies in the literature, Celexa is known for its adverse effect on appetite loss. However, the opposite can also occur. Some individuals may experience an increase in appetite while taking this medication (4,5).
It is important to know that Celexa can cause withdrawal symptoms and, in addition to changes in appetite, can also cause other adverse effects (1.2).
If you experience any unusual or concerning issues while taking this medication, it is advisable to contact your doctor.
Does Celexa cause loss of appetite?
Yes, Celexa (citalopram) may cause loss of appetite in some individuals.
This side effect is reported by a number of Celexa users and it could be linked to Celexa-induced gastrointestinal side effects.
Some people experience severe nausea and acid reflux during the early course of their treatment with Celexa. This makes food undesirable for them and they eventually begin to lose their appetite. However, taking OTC acid reducers like antacids or medications like omeprazole can help with acid reflux.
However, some people may simply not feel like eating, without gastrointestinal effects. Furthermore, there are those who do not experience loss of appetite as an adverse effect of Celexa (1,2).
Thus, each person is unique and responds differently to treatments. Make sure you discuss your side effects with your healthcare provider. Celexa may also cause weight gain and increase cholesterol levels (rare) in some patients, and some people may experience weight gain associated with water retention.
What to do if Celexa causes loss of appetite?
Talk to your healthcare provider if Celexa causes loss of appetite and this has a negative impact on your quality of life.
It’s hard to tell whether or not it’ll ever subside on its own while you continue taking the antidepressant, but it is expected that the adverse effects will become less intense as your body adapts to the medication.
Your doctor may attempt to adjust the treatment if your loss of appetite is affecting your quality of life (1,2,3). Celexa-induced loss of appetite can make you mineral and nutrient-deficient, and the drug can not make up for it, as it does not itself contain any nutrients or minerals, like iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, potassium, etc.
These minerals and other nutrients are present in food, which can be a problem if Celexa curbs your appetite.
What does the research say about appetite loss induced by Celexa?
There are some reviews of the literature that indicate loss of appetite as a potential side effect of Celexa, as well as other antidepressants of the same class(4).
One study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that patients taking Celexa experienced a significant decrease in appetite compared to those taking a placebo (5).
Another study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that Celexa was associated with decreased food intake and weight loss in a sample of depressed patients (6). In some cases, the combination of Celexa and Wellbutrin also resulted in weight loss.
However, a number of research studies have also indicated that Celexa can cause increased appetite in some people, especially those who suffer from depression-induced loss of appetite.
So, patients who experience significant changes in appetite or weight while taking Celexa should consult with their healthcare provider. Celexa may also reduce overall calorie consumption by causing symptoms associated with acid reflux.
Such cases can be managed by taking acid reducers, including Omeprazole, antacids, Famotidine, etc. However, it is best to discuss the most appropriate acid reducer with your doctor to take with Celexa.
Can Celexa cause withdrawal symptoms?
Withdrawal symptoms are common among individuals who abruptly stop using this medication. The symptoms may include (1):
- Mood changes
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Dizziness
- Numbness
- Tingling or electric shock-like sensations in the hands or feet
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Frenzied or abnormally excited mood
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
If Celexa needs to be discontinued, your doctor will suggest an appropriate taper schedule for you to ensure a safe withdrawal.
Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms when your dose of Celexa is decreased.
What are the adverse effects associated with Celexa?
Celexa may cause side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms persistently or if they are bothersome, it is important to inform your doctor (1,2):
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea/green loose stools
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Early anxiety or aggression
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Dry eyes
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss or gain
- Increased sweating
- Increased thirst
- Palpitations
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Drowsiness
- Excessive tiredness
- Yawning
- Weakness
- Forgetfulness
- Uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- Muscle or joint pain
- Dry mouth – which can also lead to bad breath
- Sexual problems in males; decreased sex drive, inability to get or keep an erection, or delayed or absent release
- Sexual problems in females; decreased sex drive, or delayed climax or inability to have a climax
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Runny nose
There are other potentially serious side effects associated with Celexa, especially in long-term users. Celexa does not generally increase the risk of bacterial infections, such as tooth, skin or urinary tract infections, but it can affect immunity in rare cases. It can also cause fever with or without chills in some cases.
If you think you have an infection, please talk to your doctor. Celexa can be taken with some antibiotics, like doxycycline, azithromycin, etc. However, these medications can increase the risk of QT prolongation in people using Celexa.
Celexa may also rarely affect your growth. So, if you experience any unusual or concerning issues while taking this medication, it is advisable to contact your doctor.
Some people may crush Celexa if they can’t swallow the tablets whole, which may increase the risk of side effects.
It is important to note that Celexa may decrease appetite and cause weight loss in children. Your child’s doctor will monitor their growth carefully. If you have concerns about your child’s growth or weight while they are taking this medication, it is important to talk to their doctor.
Conclusion
In this brief article, we discussed whether Celexa may cause loss of appetite and explored what to do if you experience loss of appetite as a result of taking Celexa. We also examined research studies on appetite loss induced by Celexa and briefly mentioned the possibility of withdrawal symptoms and side effects associated with this medication.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US);2023. Citalopram; [updated 2022 Jan 15; cited 2023 Jul 10]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699001.html.
2.-
CELEXA® (citalopram). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Reference ID: 3107401 [Internet] [updated 2012 Mar; cited 2023 Jul 10]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/020822s042,021046s019lbl.pdf#page=32.
3.-
National Health Service. Citalopram: Uses, dosage, side effects, warnings. [Internet]. NHS; c2021 [Cited 2023 Jul 10]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/citalopram/
4.-
Braund TA, Tillman G, Palmer DM, Gordon E, Rush AJ, Harris AWF. Antidepressant side effects and their impact on treatment outcome in people with major depressive disorder: an iSPOT-D report. Transl Psychiatry. 2021;11(1):417.
5.-
Joffe RT, Levitt AJ, Sokolov ST. A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of citalopram for major depression complicated by alcohol dependence. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2002;22(4):379-82.
6.-
Rothman SM, Griffioen-Roose S, Haverkamp GL, van der Does AJ, Giltay EJ, Ruhé HG. Citalopram and food intake: effect of 7-week treatment on meal size, fullness and emptying in females with purging behaviour. J Psychopharmacol. 2012;26(11):1510-8.
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