Does Citalopram cause bowel problems? (3+ recommendations)
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
This article will discuss how Citalopram causes bowel problems as one of its usual side effects, along with some recommendations on managing these side effects and what to do if problems in bowel movement persist.
Does Citalopram cause bowel problems?
Yes, Citalopram can cause bowel problems, such as diarrhoea (frequent loose or watery stools), and constipation (infrequent bowel movement). Citalopram, sold under the brand name Celexa, is one of the antidepressants that are likely to cause digestive side effects (1).
What is the link between Citalopram and bowel problems?
The link between Citalopram and bowel problems primarily revolves around the medication’s influence on altering the levels of serotonin in the body.
Citalopram belongs to the class of antidepressants called Selective Serotonin Inhibitors (SSRIs) which are known to cause side effects involving the digestive system (2). This may be attributed to how these drugs work by elevating the serotonin levels in the body to reduce the symptoms of depression (3).
However, the increased levels of serotonin may also cause some unwanted side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel movement (4).
How does Citalopram cause bowel problems?
Citalopram causes bowel problems due to its effect on increasing the serotonin levels in the body. Serotonin does not only affect the brain but also the digestive system. It acts on the gut through the serotonin receptors found in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract (5).
An increase in its levels causes more serotonin to interact with the stomach. Depending on the receptor to which it binds, serotonin can cause either an increase or decrease in intestinal motility (6), which causes either diarrhoea or constipation to those using Citalopram.
What bowel problems are associated with using Citalopram?
The bowel problems usually associated with taking Citalopram include diarrhoea and constipation (7). In a clinical trial performed for a brand of Citalopram, diarrhoea commonly occurred in patients during the treatment, and only a few patients reportedly experienced constipation (8).
How to manage bowel problems associated with Citalopram?
If you are experiencing either diarrhoea or constipation while you are taking Citalopram, the following recommendations may help you manage the said side effects:
- Stay hydrated. Ensure that you are drinking adequate fluids to prevent dehydration caused by diarrhoea.
- Have a healthy diet. Make sure to have a balanced diet, including foods that are rich in fibre to help regulate your bowel movement.
- Regular exercise. Doing physical activities regularly can help improve your digestion and reduce constipation.
- Use of other medications. Your doctor may prescribe other medications to help manage bowel problems. An antidiarrhoeal medicine, such as Loperamide and Diphenoxylate, may be used for diarrhoea, and laxatives, such as Psyllium and Bisacodyl, may be prescribed to address constipation.
- Take medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take your medications. Do not make any changes to your medication regimen without consulting your doctor.
What to do if bowel problems persist while using Citalopram?
If you are experiencing persistent bowel problems while taking Citalopram, consult your healthcare provider immediately. Your doctor may recommend either adjusting your dosage or switching to a different medication depending on your body’s response to the drug.
Some side effects, such as changes in bowel movement, may also subside as your body adjusts to the medication.
Do not immediately stop taking the medication – discontinuation or any changes in your medications should be done under the supervision of your doctor upon their assessment of your condition.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed how Citalopram and other SSRIs cause side effects that mainly affect the digestive system such as diarrhoea and constipation.
Some recommendations for managing these side effects caused by Citalopram as well as how to handle persistent bowel problems while taking the said medication were also mentioned.
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. Gastrointestinal Side Effects Asssociated with Antidepressant Treatments in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry [Internet]. 2021 Jul 13 [cited 2023 October 7]; 109: 110266. Availble from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110266
2.-
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 [Internet]. 2022 Aug 13 [cited 2023 October 7]; 18: 799-812. Available from: https://doi.org/10.2147/TCRM.S363404
3.-
Chu A., Wadhwa R. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 January [updated 2023 May 1; cited 2023 October 7]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554406/
4.-
Vahora I.S., Tsouklidis N., Kumar R., Soni R., Khan S. How Serotonin Level Fluctuation Affects the Effectiveness of Treatment in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Cureus [Internet]. 2020 Aug 19 [cited 2023 October 9]; 12 (8): e9871. Available from: https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.7759%2Fcureus.9871
5.-
Mawe G.M., Hoffman J.M. Serotonin Signalling in the Gut- Functions, Dysfunctions and Therapeutic Targets. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol [Internet]. 2013 Aug [cited 2023 Octiber 7]; 10 (8): 473-86. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2013.105
6.-
Guzel T., Mirowska-Guzel D. The Role of Serotonin Neurotransmission in Gastrointestinal Tract and Pharmacotherapy. Molecules [Internet]. 2022 Mar 3 [cited 2023 October 7]; 27 (5): 1680. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27051680
7.-
Medline Plus. Citalopram: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [updated 2022 January 15; cited 2023 October 7]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699001.html
8.-
DailyMed. Celexa – Citalopram tablet, film coated [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [updated 2023 August 7; cited 2023 October 7]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4259d9b1-de34-43a4-85a8-41dd214e9177
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