Does Lexapro cause joint stiffness? (+7 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
We’ll answer the question, “Does Lexapro cause joint stiffness?” in this article. We will review the scientific evidence and offer helpful tips to help you get the most out of this treatment.
Does Lexapro cause joint stiffness?
Yes, Lexapro may cause joint stiffness in some people. While it is a possible side effect, it is not frequently observed.
Most people can use Lexapro without experiencing this problem. Lexapro contains Escitalopram, which is the S-enantiomer of Citalopram and belongs to the SSRI medication class.
Some SSRIs have been linked to decreased bone mass density, which can cause joint and back pain. If you are experiencing joint stiffness while taking Lexapro, consult your healthcare provider for further advice.
What does research suggest?
A meta-analysis of 11 studies found a significant link between SSRI use and decreased bone mineral density (BMD), particularly in older people. (1)
A meta-analysis of 19 studies found that SSRIs had a negative effect on BMD and increased the risk of fractures. (2)
According to a review of clinical studies and potential mechanisms, current SSRI use is associated with bone loss and decreased BMD. However, the authors emphasised the importance of additional research to validate their findings. (3)
Another study compared 2 groups, those who did not use SSRIs, recent users had a 1.44 times higher risk of low bone density, and former users had a 1.07 times higher risk. (4)
Existing research indicates a possible link between the use of SSRIs, such as Lexapro, and lower BMD values, as well as negative consequences for bone health. This suggests that Escitalopram use can result in joint pain and stiffness.
Who is more susceptible to Lexapro-induced joint stiffness?
People who are more likely to experience joint pain as a potential Lexapro side effect include:
- Older people may be more vulnerable to the bone-related side effects of SSRIs, including joint pain.
- People with pre-existing joint problems or conditions such as arthritis, osteopenia, or osteoporosis may be more likely to experience joint pain while taking escitalopram.
- Long-term escitalopram use may increase the likelihood of developing joint pain, though the exact duration required for this susceptibility is unknown.
While certain groups may be more vulnerable, joint stiffness as a side effect can vary greatly from person to person. Not everyone may face this side effect.
What to do if Lexapro is causing joint stiffness?
If you experience joint stiffness while taking escitalopram, the first and most important action is to consult your doctor. This conversation may involve the following;
Discuss dose adjustment: Your doctor can determine whether an escitalopram dose adjustment is required. They may advise lowering the dosage or attempting a different treatment approach if joint stiffness persists.
Consider alternative medications: If joint stiffness persists, your doctor may recommend alternative medications with a different mechanism of action. These alternatives may be less likely to cause joint-related side effects.
Do not stop Lexapro suddenly: It is critical not to stop taking Lexapro abruptly without consulting a doctor. If necessary, your doctor will advise you on how to stop taking the medication.
Avoid over-the-counter NSAIDs: While dealing with joint stiffness related to SSRIs like escitalopram, avoid over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with SSRIs like Lexapro.
How to take care of your joints while taking Lexapro?
You can take practical steps to manage joint stiffness in addition to medical advice.
Physical therapy: If joint stiffness persists, your doctor may advise you to try physical therapy. A physical therapist can lead you through exercises and stretches to improve joint mobility and relieve pain.
Warm or cold compresses: Warm or cold compresses can help relieve pain and stiffness in the affected joints. Heat can help to relax tense muscles, while cold can help to reduce inflammation.
Weight control: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on your joints, particularly weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. For advice on weight-management strategies, consult a healthcare provider or a dietitian.
Conclusion
To summarise, Lexapro (escitalopram) may cause joint stiffness, though the likelihood of this side effect is low. Some reports suggest that SSRIs like Lexapro may have an effect on bone mass density. The impact on bone density may cause joint stiffness and pain.
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