Does Celexa increase prolactin? (3+ symptoms)
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 (Citalopram) increases prolactin levels. We will also discuss some case studies and how to manage this side effect.
Does Celexa increase prolactin?
Celexa (Citalopram) can increase prolactin levels. However, this is not a common side effect and the incidence is low.
Citalopram, commonly sold under the brand name Celexa, is an antidepressant used to treat different mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety (1).
Citalopram is generally not associated with an increase in prolactin levels. However, individual responses to medications can vary. If you have concerns about changes in hormone levels or other side effects while taking Citalopram, it is important to discuss them with your healthcare provider for proper guidance and testing if necessary.
What does research suggest?
There are limited research studies indicating the effect of Citalopram on prolactin levels.
One study has found that some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Citalopram and Sertraline had a very low impact on increasing prolactin levels (2).
Another study indicated that the use of antidepressants like Citalopram has no impact on breast cancer by changing prolactin levels. It suggested that, for most women, the use of antidepressants to manage depression or other conditions does not significantly raise prolactin levels (3).
Always remember that every individual has a unique genetic makeup, which is why their responses towards the medication differ. So keep an eye on your side effects while taking Citalopram or any other medication and reach out to your healthcare provider if something unusual is bothering you.
Symptoms of increased prolactin levels while taking Celexa
Increased prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia) refer to higher-than-normal concentrations of the hormone prolactin in the blood (4).
Symptoms of higher prolactin levels while taking Celexa include (4):
Galactorrhea: Sudden production of breast milk, even when non-pregnant or nursing.
Menstrual irregularities: Irregular menstrual periods occur in women taking Celexa which may be due to increased prolactin levels.
Sexual dysfunction: Sexual abnormalities including decreased libido occur as a result of increased prolactin levels.
Gynecomastia: Breast enlargement is seen in men having increased prolactin levels.
Mood changes: Some people may experience mood changes such as anxiety as a result of elevated prolactin levels.
It is important to note that not everyone taking Celexa will experience these symptoms and the severity and occurrence of these side effects can vary from person to person. If you suspect that elevated prolactin levels are causing these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and guidance on how to manage them.
Managing elevated prolactin levels while on Celexa
Managing elevated prolactin levels while on Celexa may involve several approaches, including:
Consulting a healthcare provider
Reach out to your healthcare provider if Celexa is increasing prolactin levels. Your healthcare provider may consider reducing the dosage of Celexa to see if it works.
If the dose reduction does not alleviate the symptoms of increased prolactin levels, your doctor may switch to a different antidepressant with a lower likelihood of affecting prolactin levels.
Symptom management
If you experience symptoms of elevated prolactin levels like galactorrhea and sexual dysfunction, your healthcare provider may provide specific treatment to resolve these symptoms.
Consulting an endocrinologist
Consult an endocrinologist, a specialist in hormone-related issues, if the symptoms of increased prolactin levels are not resolved.
Regular monitoring
Regular blood tests to monitor prolactin levels can help assess the situation and guide treatment adjustments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Citalopram may lead to elevated prolactin levels in some individuals, it generally has a lower risk of doing so compared to other antidepressant medications. However, the effects can vary, and it is important to monitor prolactin levels and discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider if needed.
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References
2.-
Park YM. Serum Prolactin Levels in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder Receiving Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitor Monotherapy for 3 Months: A Prospective Study. Psychiatry Investig. 2017 May;14(3):368-371. doi: 10.4306/pi.2017.14.3.368. Epub 2017 May 16. PMID: 28539956; PMCID: PMC5440440.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5440440/
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