Does Lexapro make you pee more? (5 other reasons)
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 address the question: Does Lexapro make you pee more? We will explore the scientific evidence and provide practical tips for managing this potential side effect.
Does Lexapro make you pee more?
Yes, Lexapro can make you pee more. As a potential side effect of Lexapro, many people have reported having an overactive bladder, especially at night. However, it is important to note that not everyone who takes Lexapro will experience this problem.
Lexapro (escitalopram) is commonly prescribed to treat panic disorder, depression, and mood disorders. It is a selective serotonin inhibitor that works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Lexapro takes about 4-6 weeks to start working and improving your condition.
What does research indicate?
According to the research findings, certain antidepressants, such as Lexapro (escitalopram), sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and venlafaxine, are linked to an increased incidence of Overactive Bladder (OAB) and more severe symptoms, particularly in male patients.
Male patients taking these antidepressants should, therefore, be closely monitored for OAB-related symptoms. (1)
Another study found a link between major depression and increased nocturnal urination. According to the current study, both men and women who take SSRIs have twice as many nocturnal voids as those who do not. (2)
Furthermore, SSRI exposure is associated with an increased risk of developing urinary incontinence, with approximately 15 out of 1000 patients treated with an SSRI experiencing this problem each year. (3)
These findings shed light on the potential effects of antidepressants like Lexapro on urinary habits and emphasise the importance of monitoring and managing related symptoms, particularly in specific patient groups.
How to manage frequent urination while taking Lexapro?
Effective management strategies for increased urination while taking Lexapro can significantly improve your comfort and quality of life.
Consult your doctor
If you notice that Lexapro is making you urinate more frequently, you should contact your doctor right away.
Begin by talking about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life.
Your doctor can assist you in monitoring your condition and distinguishing it from other possible urinary issues.
They may advise you to adjust your Lexapro dosage or even consider other medications to alleviate the side effects.
It is recommended that you communicate openly and honestly with your healthcare provider to find the best solution for your situation.
Lifestyle modifications
You can make lifestyle changes to help manage increased urination caused by Lexapro. Reduced fluid intake, especially in the evening, can help to reduce nighttime urination.
Kegel exercises can help to strengthen the muscles responsible for bladder control. Bladder training is a gradual process that can be effective in increasing the time between bathroom trips.
Additionally, avoiding caffeine-containing beverages later in the day, such as coffee and tea, can help reduce bladder irritation and improve urinary comfort.
Along with medical advice, these lifestyle changes can help to manage Lexapro-related urinary effects.
Other reasons for frequent urination
Several factors, including health conditions, habits, and medications other than Lexapro, can cause frequent urination. Understanding these potential causes is critical for a thorough approach to addressing this issue.
- UTI (Urinary Tract Infection): UTIs can also cause frequent urination, as well as other symptoms such as burning during urination, cloudy urine, and an overwhelming desire to urinate.
- Anxiety: As a physical response to stress and nervousness, anxiety can cause increased urination. It is critical to distinguish between Lexapro-related and anxiety-induced urination.
- More water intake: Drinking more water, especially in the evening, can naturally result in more frequent urination.
- Caffeine consumption: Tea and coffee, especially when consumed late in the evening or at night, can act as diuretics. These beverages have the potential to increase urine production and cause frequent urination.
- Other Medications: It’s critical to think about any other medications you’re taking besides Lexapro, such as diuretics or multiple antidepressants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lexapro can cause increased urination in some people, it’s important to remember that everyone reacts differently. Other potential causes, such as UTIs and anxiety, must be ruled out. Consult your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation so that they can make informed changes to your treatment plan as needed.
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