Does Citalopram cause vomiting? (5+ tips)

By Ivan Kahwa
Page last updated: 02/01/2024 | Next review date: 02/01/2026
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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 

 

 

 

 


Ivan Kahwa
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In this article, we will discuss whether Citalopram causes vomiting. Furthermore, we will talk about what the research suggests, why Citalopram causes vomiting, what other side effects are caused by Citalopram, and what to do if vomiting persists.

Does Citalopram cause vomiting?

Yes, Citalopram does cause vomiting, and it is a common side effect. Vomiting and nausea are commonly experienced by some patients during the early phase of Citalopram treatment. However, this side effect may subside as the body adapts to the medication.

What does research suggest?

According to a research study, Citalopram’s side effects like vomiting and nausea are mild and temporary. These side effects may be reduced or disappear within 1-4 weeks of Citalopram treatment as it starts working.

Citalopram may take around 8-12 weeks to show its complete therapeutic effects. Citalopram is a safe and well-tolerated antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) class of drugs.

A research study also compared Citalopram with Amitriptyline for the incidence of side effects. It was found that Citalopram had fewer side effects compared to Amitriptyline and was easier for patients to tolerate (1).

Citalopram works by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, into the brain cells, thereby causing increased serotonin levels. This increase in serotonin levels helps alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms (2).

Citalopram is also considered safe and effective with low risks of side effects in elderly patients with mild to moderate kidney or liver problems (3).

Why does Citalopram cause vomiting?

Citalopram causes vomiting as it increases the serotonin levels in the brain; this increase in serotonin levels affects the digestive system significantly.

Due to this mechanism, SSRI antidepressants like Citalopram are commonly associated with gastrointestinal adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, dry mouth, changes in appetite, or abdominal pain. Patients with sensitive stomachs are more prone to experience vomiting while using Citalopram.

How to manage vomiting while using Citalopram?

You can manage the feeling of nausea and vomiting when using Citalopram by trying the following tips:

  • Avoid oily, spicy, and greasy foods or foods with strong odours.
  • Take Citalopram with food.
  • Take smaller meals and eat slowly.
  • Drink clear fluids like herbal tea and ginger tea, or increase your water intake.
  • Avoid alcohol consumption.
  • Suck on some mint or hard candies.

What to do if Citalopram-induced vomiting persists?

If Citalopram-induced vomiting persists or worsens after even 4 weeks of using Citalopram, please inform your doctor. They may evaluate your current symptoms, your response to the medication, and other health conditions.

However, your doctor may advise you to manage vomiting with a few tips or remedies, but if it persists, he may suggest reducing the dose and increasing it gradually afterwards, giving some time for your body to adjust.

What other side effects can be caused by Citalopram?

Other than vomiting, Citalopram may also cause other side effects.

Common side effects

Citalopram may also cause other common side effects, including:

These common side effects may not be experienced by everyone taking Citalopram; however, if you experience them, they may subside as your body adapts to Citalopram.

Rare side effects

Rare and serious side effects should be immediately reported to your doctor. Citalopram may also cause such side effects in a few patients, including:

  • Unconsciousness
  • Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Severe headaches
  • Concentration problems
  • Irregular heartbeats
  • Tremors
  • Chest pain (4,5)

Conclusion

Citalopram is commonly associated with vomiting, especially in the early stages of treatment. Research findings have suggested that vomiting occurs mildly and temporarily, often improving as the body adapts to the medication.

However, Citalopram is generally a safe and well-tolerated antidepressant and has a lower risk of side effects compared to other SSRIs.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

References

1.-

Kyle CJ, Petersen HE, Overø KF. Comparison of the tolerability and efficacy of citalopram and amitriptyline in elderly depressed patients treated in general practice. Depress Anxiety. 1998;8(4):147-53. PMID: 9871816. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9871816/ 

2.-

Sharbaf Shoar N, Fariba KA, Padhy RK. Citalopram. 2021 Dec 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29489221. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29489221/ 

3.-

Nemeroff CB. Overview of the safety of citalopram. Psychopharmacol Bull. 2003 Winter;37(1):96-121. PMID: 14561952. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14561952/ 

4.-

MedlinePlus[Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US);2023. Citalopram; [updated 2022 Jan 15; cited 2023 JUL 10]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699001.html

5.-

FDA Label. Celexa (Citalopram). [Internet]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020822s047lbl.pdf

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