Does Celexa-induced dry mouth go away? (3+ tips)
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 dry mouth caused by Celexa as a side effect goes away easily or not. We will also discuss some tips to manage this side effect.
Does Celexa-induced dry mouth go away?
Celexa-induced dry mouth does go away or resolve within a few days of taking the medication. In some cases, dry mouth may improve after a few weeks or months of taking the medication as your body adjusts to it.
Celexa, a brand for Citalopram, is an antidepressant typically prescribed for treating depression and anxiety. Celexa works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin ( a brain chemical) (1).
Celexa is commonly associated with several side effects like dry mouth, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Although these side effects may resolve after some time, in some people, they may persist for the duration of the treatment.
Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider while taking Celexa. They can help manage the side effects and provide guidance throughout your treatment with Celexa.
Should you be concerned about dry mouth caused by Celexa?
You should not worry about Celexa-induced dry mouth, especially if you are new to this medication or antidepressants in general. However, this side effect starts to get better within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication and the way it makes you feel. That’s when the side effects will stop bothering you.
However, if you continue to feel this way after weeks and weeks of your treatment, you should definitely report it to your healthcare provider. This may be a sign of dehydration due to Celexa.
Drink plenty of water throughout your treatment with antidepressants to maintain proper hydration and prevent side effects like dry mouth and dehydration.
Tips to manage Celexa-induced dry mouth
Tips to manage dry mouth due to Celexa include (2):
Hydration: Consume as much water to prevent dry mouth even if you are not experiencing thirst.
Alcohol and caffeine consumption: Caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics, increasing urine production and causing dehydration which ultimately results in dry mouth. To stay hydrated drink plenty of water alongside these beverages and limit their consumption (3).
Increase moisture in the air: To prevent dry mouth increase moisture in your room by using a humidifier.
Avoid tobacco: Tobacco can increase the severity of dry mouth, so use tobacco products with caution.
Dietary choices: Change your dietary choices by eating less spicy and moist food to alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth.
OTC Sialagogues: Take OTC sialagogues (medications that increase saliva secretion) under the guidance of your healthcare provider to prevent dry mouth (4).
Breathing: Avoid breathing through the mouth as it can lead to dry mouth and cracked lips. So inhale through your nostrils.
When to consult your healthcare provider?
If you are experiencing dry mouth as a side effect of Celexa that does not go away or become bothersome, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider and discuss potential solutions or adjustments to your medication.
Always reach out to your healthcare provider to manage the side effects related to your medication like a dry mouth to ensure the safe use of your medication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dry mouth is a common side effect of Celexa, and its persistence or resolution can vary from person to person. To alleviate this side effect effectively, it is important to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
If Celexa-induced dry mouth does not go away and affects your daily life, it is important to discuss it with your healthcare provider. They can guide managing the side effects and explore potential adjustments to your treatment plan if necessary.
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References
2.-
Antidepressants: Get tips to cope with side effects [Internet]. 1998-2023. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER).https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/antidepressants/art-20049305
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