Who should not take Citalopram? (3+ key points)
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 a specific group of people who should generally avoid taking Citalopram or should use it with caution under close medical supervision.
Who should not take Citalopram?
Individuals with the following conditions should not take Citalopram or should use Citalopram with caution:
- Individuals with allergic reactions
- Cardiac patients
- Children and adolescents
- Nursing or pregnant women
- Individuals with eye condition
- Individuals with kidney or liver disease
- Individuals with bipolar disorder
Citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is an antidepressant used to treat mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. It is a prescription medication and should only be used if recommended by a qualified healthcare practitioner (1).
Although Citalopram is generally safe and well-tolerated in most individuals, there are specific groups of people who should generally avoid taking Citalopram or should use it with caution under close medical supervision.
It is important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting or discontinuing any medication. Individuals who should avoid taking Citalopram may include:
Individuals with allergic reactions
Anyone who has ever had an allergic reaction to Citalopram or any of its components should avoid using this medication (2). Allergic reactions can include:
- Itching
- Skin rash
- Dizziness
- Swelling
- Difficult breathing
Citalopram should not be taken by individuals who are currently using or have recently used monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like Phenelzine or Isocarboxazid or who have used them within the past 14 days (3).
Combining Citalopram with MAOIs can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome, which is characterized by symptoms such as agitation, hallucinations, increased blood pressure, tremors, and in severe cases seizures.
Cardiac patients
People with certain cardiac conditions such as recent heart attacks, cardiac arrhythmias, or congenital long QT syndrome should use Citalopram with caution or avoid it altogether.
Citalopram has been associated with QT interval prolongation, which can increase the risk of serious heart rhythm abnormalities (4).
Children and adolescents
Citalopram is typically not recommended for use in children and adolescents due to concerns about an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours in this age group.
It should only be used in pediatric populations when other treatment options have been considered and deemed inappropriate. It is important to regularly check the weight and growth of the children and adolescents treated with Citalopram (5).
Nursing or pregnant women
Pregnant or nursing women should discuss the risks and benefits of using Citalopram with their healthcare provider. The medication may pose potential risks to the developing foetus or newborn, so its use should be carefully evaluated. Always consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant during your treatment with Citalopram (4).
Individuals with different diseases
Individuals with eye condition: If an individual is suffering from glaucoma, it is necessary to consult with your healthcare provider before taking Citalopram because this medication may lead to increased intraocular pressure (IOP) as a side effect, which can exacerbate glaucoma (2,4).
Individuals with bipolar disorder: Citalopram should be used cautiously in patients with bipolar disorder because it can sometimes induce manic or hypomanic episodes in these individuals. If necessary, it is often used in combination with a mood stabilizer (4).
Individuals with liver or kidney disease: Individuals suffering from liver or kidney impairment may require dosage adjustment or may not be suitable candidates for Citalopram use. This medication may not be effectively metabolized in these individuals, leading to potential adverse effects (4).
How to ensure the safe use of Citalopram?
The following points should be considered to ensure the safe and effective use of Citalopram:
- Always take Citalopram as directed by your healthcare provider.
- Inform your doctor about any side effects like nausea, excessive sweating, tiredness, or changes in appetite. They may adjust the dosage or switch to another medication if needed.
- Do not consume alcohol while taking citalopram as it can intensify the side effects.
- Do not skip the doses or stop the medication abruptly as it can result in worsening of symptoms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, individuals who should generally avoid taking Citalopram include those with a history of allergic reactions to the medication, individuals currently using or recently discontinued monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and those with certain cardiac conditions. Cautions should also be exercised in individuals with bipolar disorder, pregnant or nursing women, children and adolescents.
It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider to assess individual suitability and potential contraindications before using Citalopram.
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References
2.-
Who can and cannot take citalopram. Page last reviewed: 9 February 2022.https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/citalopram/who-can-and-cannot-take-citalopram/#:~:text=Citalopram%20is%20not%20suitable%20for,cause%20an%20irregular%20heartbeat%20(arrhythmia)
3.-
WebMD LLC. Citalopram HBR – Uses, Side Effects, and More. 2005-2023.https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1701/citalopram-oral/details
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