Does citalopram make you feel sick? (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 are going to discuss whether citalopram makes you feel sick (nauseated) or not, the incidence of feeling sick with citalopram, how citalopram makes you feel sick, and what to do if citalopram makes you feel sick.
Does citalopram make you feel sick?
Yes, citalopram can make you feel sick, especially during the early course of treatment. Feeling sick (nausea) is a common side effect of citalopram, along with other side effects such as tiredness, insomnia, and dry mouth, especially in individuals who are new to the medication and these symptoms begin to subside as your body adjusts to the drug. (1)
However, consulting your physician or healthcare provider is required to prevent these side effects.
The incidence of feeling sick with citalopram
Citalopram is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) used mainly in treating depression in adults aged 18 years and above. The incidence of feeling sick or nauseated with citalopram varies among individuals.
It is reported that feeling sick is one of the most common adverse effects of citalopram and occurs in up to 10% of people taking citalopram. (2)
Twenty-eight studies were conducted to compare the different types of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that induced nausea in Chinese people with depression.
The results showed that citalopram can cause less nausea compared to fluoxetine and paroxetine. However, escitalopram and sertraline (Zoloft) are superior to citalopram in overcoming nausea. (3)
Nausea begins in the early few days of using citalopram and usually fades away after a few weeks of using the medication. However, not everyone will feel sick while taking citalopram, and the incidence and severity of nausea varies from one individual to another. Therefore, it is best to contact your physician if you experience any side effects. (4)
How does citalopram make you feel sick?
Citalopram is an SSRI used in the treatment of depression, which means that it works by increasing your body’s serotonin level to help maintain your mental balance. An excess amount of serotonin can upset the stomach causing nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal problems. (5)
Serotonin has an action in stimulating the part of the brain that controls nausea, thereby controlling how fast and slow things move through the GIT (Gastro-Intestinal Tract).
95% of the serotonin receptors are present in your stomach, and the rest 5% are present in your brain, therefore, any changes in the serotonin levels can affect your GIT and cause GIT pain symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
What to do if citalopram makes you feel sick?
The first step is to consult your physician or healthcare provider about your side effects, your physician may divide your dose to help your body adjust to the medication. However, in most cases, feeling sick or nauseated usually fades away after a few weeks of taking citalopram.
Here are some tips to help you manage citalopram-induced nausea:
- Taking citalopram with a small amount of food such as toast and crackers will help you manage your nausea.
- Food and beverages that contain ginger can help treat citalopram-induced nausea.
- Take citalopram at bedtime.
- OTC (Over-the-counter) medications such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Bonine) can help reduce your nausea.
- Based on your situation, your physician may use medications such as histamine 2 antagonists or proton pump inhibitors to help treat nausea and vomiting.
- If your nausea is persistent and uncontrollable, your physician may use adjunctive medications such as promethazine, prochlorperazine, or ondansetron in managing citalopram-induced nausea. (5)
Non-pharmacological natural remedies to help reduce citalopram-induced nausea:
- Aromatherapy: controlling the scents in your environment can help ease nausea, peppermint oil is shown to be effective in treating nausea, inhale a drop of peppermint oil through your nose to help ease nausea.
- Peppermint: peppermint is used for digestive conditions and has a calming effect in treating nausea.
- Lemon: sliced lemon or citrus fruits help in reducing nausea.
- Spices: smelling spices such as fennel, cumin, and cinnamon powder can help in reducing nausea.
Conclusion
Citalopram can make you feel sick in the first few days of using the medication. However, this will fade away after a few weeks of using it, following the above tips and consulting your physician will help manage citalopram-induced nausea.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
NHS. Side effects of citalopram (Internet). nhs.uk. 2022. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/citalopram/side-effects-of-citalopram/
2.-
Sharbaf Shoar N, Fariba K, Padhy RK. Citalopram (Internet). PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482222/
3.-
Guo S, Yang Y, Pei X jun, Liu F yue. Comparative risk of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)-induced nausea among Chinese senile depression patients. Medicine. 2020 Feb;99(7):e19133. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2020/02140/comparative_risk_of_selective_serotonin_reuptake.58.aspx
4.-
Antidepressants: Get tips to cope with side effects [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/antidepressants/art-20049305#:~:text=Antidepressants%20can%20cause%20unpleasant%20side,weeks%20of%20starting%20an%20antidepressant.
5.-
Toward achieving optimal response: understanding and managing antidepressant side effects. Remission in Depression. 2008 Dec;10(4):409–18. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181894/#:~:text=Nausea%20and%20stomach%20upset.,whom%20continued%20to%20experience%20it.
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