Does Citalopram cause abdominal pain? (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 citalopram can cause abdominal pain, what factors may contribute to citalopram-induced abdominal pain, what research suggests, and what you should do while experiencing this side effect.
Does citalopram cause abdominal pain?
Yes, citalopram can cause abdominal pain. This is one of the commonly reported side effects of citalopram. Digestive side effects appear early in the treatment and, if not controlled, pose a risk of non-compliance. Gastrointestinal side effects are also common with other antidepressants. (1)
However, it is essential to closely monitor your symptoms while being treated with citalopram and report them to your healthcare provider to make treatment more comfortable.
What factors may contribute to citalopram-induced abdominal pain?
Some factors can contribute to the abdominal pain caused by citalopram treatment; these factors include:
- The combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and citalopram increases the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects by around tenfold. Because NSAIDs can irritate the stomach lining, depressed patients are more susceptible to experiencing citalopram-induced abdominal pain. (2)
- Patients with H. pylori infection and autoimmune diseases may be more susceptible to citalopram-induced abdominal pain. Patients who already have stomach problems when they are treated with citalopram have more chances of getting abdominal pain.
- Patients who have previously undergone abdominal surgeries may be more vulnerable to the adverse effects of SSRIs such as citalopram. Abdominal procedures profoundly reduce your GI motility and make you more likely to experience adverse effects from antidepressants.
- Chronic stress may also play a role in citalopram-induced abdominal pain. When we are stressed, our bodies release hormones and neurotransmitters, which can negatively impact gut motility. When combined with citalopram, it can increase the chances of abdominal pain.
- Individual variations may also play a role in contributing to citalopram-induced abdominal pain. Everybody reacts differently to medication. Some may experience this side effect, while others may not. Genetic and personal factors can also play a role in contributing to abdominal pain related to citalopram.
What does research suggest?
While citalopram is generally well-tolerated, abdominal pain has been reported as a side effect in a small percentage of users. The incidence of abdominal pain is reported to be 5% of the total number of patients using it. (7)
There has been a study that shows the probability of antidepressants like citalopram causing gastrointestinal adverse effects. The abdominal pain caused by citalopram could also be dose-dependent, meaning a higher dose can increase the likelihood of this side effect. (3)
Abdominal pain related to citalopram use often occurs in the initial weeks of treatment. It usually subsides as the body adjusts to the medication.
However, for some people, it can persist over a longer period of time. An increased bleeding tendency in the GI after long-term use of citalopram can also occur because serotonin uptake from the blood is inhibited. (4)
There has been no research that points out exactly that citalopram causes abdominal pain, but there are several studies that tell us that SSRIs such as citalopram cause gastrointestinal adverse effects, including abdominal pain, in patients.
What to do if citalopram causes abdominal pain?
If you are experiencing abdominal pain while being treated with citalopram, you should inform your healthcare provider. Your doctor will determine the cause of your abdominal pain and guide you accordingly.
If Citalopram is the cause of your abdominal pain, your doctor may reduce the dose of your medication or switch you to a different antidepressant. You should never discontinue your medicine without your doctor’s approval.
Here are some tips to help you get relief from abdominal pain:
Over-the-counter medications for citalopram-induced abdominal pain
- For gas pain: If the pain in your abdomen is due to gas, you can take Mylanta or GAS-X to get relief.
- For heartburn: If the pain is due to the heartburn, take Milk of Magnesia or Zantac to relieve the heartburn.
- For constipation: If the pain is caused by constipation, you can take Duphalac to treat constipation.
- For cramping from diarrhea: To relieve the pain from cramping, take Imodium to feel better.
- For other types of pain: take Aspirin, but stay away from NSAIDs as they might irritate your stomach lining and make your condition worse.
Home remedies to relieve abdominal pain related to citalopram
- Try a heating pad over your abdomen to relieve pain.
- Take chamomile tea to relieve gas-related pain.
- Take fennel and cardamom tea to relieve abdominal discomfort due to indigestion.
Lifestyle modifications to relieve citalopram-related abdominal pain
- Eat smaller meals.
- Stay away from spicy food.
- Do not consume excessive caffeine.
- Try meditation or yoga to destress yourself.
What are some other GI-related side effects of citalopram?
These are some of the gastrointestinal tract-related side effects of citalopram.
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Loss of appetite (5,6)
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed citalopram-induced abdominal pain. We have also discussed research studies, some factors that may contribute to citalopram-induced abdominal pain, and what one should do if this side effect occurs.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Oliva, V., Lippi, M., Paci, R., Del Fabro, L., Delvecchio, G., Brambilla, P., De Ronchi, D., Fanelli, G., & Serretti, A. (2021). Gastrointestinal side effects associated with antidepressant treatments in patients with major depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 109, 110266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110266 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278584621000257
2.-
Tobi, H. (2003). Combined use of SSRIs and NSAIDs increases the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 55(6), 591-595. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.0306-5251.2002.01770.x https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1884264/
3.-
Wang Z, Li H, Kang Y, Liu Y, Shan L, Wang F. Risks of Digestive System Side-Effects of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Patients with Depression: A Network Meta-Analysis. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2022 Aug 13;18:799-812. doi: 10.2147/TCRM.S363404. PMID: 35992228; PMCID: PMC9386738 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9386738/
4.-
Shahrbabki, M. E., & Shahrbabaki, A. E. (2013). Sertraline-Related Bleeding Tendency: Could It Be Dose-Dependent? Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 8(3), 81-83. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4359729/#:~:text=Several%20mechanisms%20have%20been%20suggested
5.-
AHFS Patient Medication Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc.; c2019. Protriptyline; [updated 2022 Jan 15; reviewed 2018 Jul 5; cited 2023 Oct 23]; [about 5 p.] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699001.html
6.-
Sharbaf Shoar N, Fariba KA, Padhy RK. Citalopram. [Updated 2021 Dec 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482222/
7.-
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration. CITALOPRAM- citalopram hydrobromide tablet, film coated. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/spl/data/5435f76f-be02-4ffe-8f5c-e7784203f94c/5435f76f-be02-4ffe-8f5c-e7784203f94c.xml
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