Does Citalopram cause easy bruising? (3+ warning signs)
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 causes easy bruising. Furthermore, we will discuss what research suggests, why Citalopram causes bruising, other side effects of Citalopram and how to deal with excessive bruising.
Does Citalopram cause easy bruising?
Yes, easy bruising is a potential side effect of Citalopram, although it is not commonly reported. Citalopram is an antidepressant from the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Bruising is a side effect that might be observed in patients taking Citalopram, however, it highly depends on the body’s physiology and the genetic susceptibility of the patient which varies from person to person.
Easy bruising occurs when the blood vessels below the skin are more prone to breaking and bleeding causing bruises to appear even from a minor trauma. Age, skin sensitivity, dietary intake and genetics play important factors in skin bruising.
How does Citalopram cause easy bruising?
Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that affects the levels of serotonin in the body. These altered serotonin levels can cause prevention of platelet aggregation as the platelets in the blood do not receive enough serotonin, which can cause bleeding (1).
Citalopram can affect the blood’s ability to properly clot and the blood starts to collect under the skin giving rise to bruises. Along with other SSRIs, Citalopram (Celexa) also makes the body more susceptible to easy bruising (2).
Research studies on Citalopram-induced bruising
A study conducted in 2018 concluded that Citalopram, being an SSRI causes the inhibition of platelet aggregation.
Platelet aggregation is the process that causes blood to clot and this stops the bleeding. However, if this process is inhibited, the vessels may bleed easily and the blood may clump or form a clot under the skin causing the formation of bruises (3).
In addition to this, multiple studies performed during the years 2010 and 2012 have concluded a similar role of Citalopram (Celexa) in causing easy bruising on the body. Although gastrointestinal bleeding is more common and easy bruising is a rare side effect of taking Citalopram (4,5).
The exact mechanism by which Citalopram causes the formation of bruises is not completely understood. However, it is believed that it might be related to the impact of platelet functioning, clotting of blood and the blood vessels’ integrity in the body.
Warning signs: When to consult a doctor?
Citalopram (Celexa) causes easy bruising. If taking the medication is causing the appearance of bruises on the skin it is advisable to consult the doctor because bruising can be a medical issue that may signify a health complication.
The following can be the warning signs.
- Your bruises are becoming larger, more frequent and more painful
- It appears that you are bleeding beneath the surface of the skin.
- Bruises are not healing promptly or are taking an extended time to heal.
- You observe other concerning symptoms such as fever, changes in skin colour, a notable decrease in energy levels, or episodes of nausea.
It is essential to seek appropriate care and treatment for these symptoms by a Healthcare Professional.
How to treat Citalopram-induced bruising?
The following steps should be considered for the management of citalopram-induced bruising:
- Schedule an appointment with your physician to discuss the severity of bruises.
- Your physician or healthcare provider might switch your medication with fewer side effects to alleviate the symptoms.
- Ensure that your diet is well-balanced and includes essential nutrients like vitamin K and C which improves the blood vessels’ health.
- Avoid medications, alcohol or other substances that may have a blood thinning effect.
- Over-the-counter creams and ointments like Arnica Gel can be used to reduce the appearance of bruising and promote faster healing.
It is essential to remember that individual responses to medication vary from patient to patient. Your healthcare provider is the most reliable source of treating your medication-related problems and complications.
Never make abrupt changes to your medication without consulting your doctor, as doing so may have adverse consequences.
Other side effects of Citalopram
Other side effects of Citalopram included the following (6,7,8).
The list of common side effects are:
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Problems in release for men
The less common side effects of Citalopram include:
- Longer QT intervals
- Myocardial Infarction
- Easy bruising
- Hemorrhage
- Mania
- Suicidal thoughts
Conclusion
Patients taking Citalopram are susceptible to easy bruising. However, it is a rare side effect of Citalopram. Citalopram is a safe drug to use as compared to other SSRIs. It is well-tolerated.
If a patient is facing a lot of side effects then consulting the doctor is the most crucial step. The doctor will provide you with an alternative drug treatment based on his evaluation.
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References
1.-
Carpenter JE, Fombi J, Udoka O, Holder-Perkins V. Venlafaxine-Induced Bruising: A Case Report. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2016 May 5;18(3):10.4088/PCC.15l01886. doi: 10.4088/PCC.15l01886. PMID: 27722026; PMCID: PMC5035804.
2.-
Halperin D, Reber G. Influence of antidepressants on hemostasis. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2007;9(1):47-59. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2007.9.1/dhalperin. PMID: 17506225; PMCID: PMC3181838.
3.-
Roweth HG, Yan R, Bedwani NH, Chauhan A, Fowler N, Watson AH, Malcor JD, Sage SO, Jarvis GE. Citalopram inhibits platelet function independently of SERT-mediated 5-HT transport. Sci Rep. 2018 Feb 22;8(1):3494. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-21348-3. PMID: 29472624; PMCID: PMC5823918.
4.-
VAN HOLTEN, T. C., ROEST, M., RIPHAGEN, J., JANSEN, C., NAARDING, P., ADRIAANSEN, H. J., DE GROOT, P. G., & REMIJN, J. A. (2012). Citalopram is a more potent platelet function inhibitor than paroxetine in a case–control study. Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 10(6), 1177–1179. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1538-7836.2012.04703.x
5.-
Yu-Lun Tseng, Meng-Ling Chiang, Tur-Fu Huang, Kuan-Pin Su, Hsien-Yuan Lane, Yu-Chen Lai, A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, citalopram, inhibits collagen-induced platelet aggregation and activation, Thrombosis Research, Volume 126, Issue 6, 2010, Pages 517-523, ISSN 0049-3848,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.thromres.2010.09.017.
6.-
Milne RJ, Goa KL. Citalopram. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic potential in depressive illness. Drugs. 1991 Mar;41(3):450-77. doi: 10.2165/00003495-199141030-00008. PMID: 1711447.
7.-
Bezchlibnyk-Butler K, Aleksic I, Kennedy SH. Citalopram–a review of pharmacological and clinical effects. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2000 May;25(3):241-54. PMID: 10863884; PMCID: PMC1407724.
8.-
Hekmatjah J, Tareen K, Tareen RS. Citalopram-Associated Alopecia: A Case Report and Brief Literature Review. Curr Drug Saf. 2019;14(2):167-170. doi: 10.2174/1574886314666190215115857. PMID: 30767750.
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