Does Celexa cause acne? (5+ ways to get rid of it) 

In this blog post, we are going to answer the question, “Does celexa cause acne?”. Celexa is an antidepressant which is used to treat a variety of mental health conditions. 

This antidepressant is associated with a number of side effects, one of which include acne. This blog will cover all you need to know about celexa induced acne and we will also discuss some tips to get rid of it. 

Does celexa cause acne? 

Yes, celexa does cause acne and pimples in some individuals. This side effect is more commonly reported in women, usually around 40-50 years of age. 

Celexa causes a number of different side effects in individuals and it’s impossible to predict how your body will react once it is exposed to this antidepressant. Some people have complained of their skin getting affected. 

They have not just complained of acne and pimples, but have also complained of dry and patchy skin. Several surveys have revealed that most people suffer from acne on their face, usually on forehead, nose and chin. 

Some people, however, have complained of having acne on other parts of the body, including neck, stomach and in between the breasts in women. Several studies have revealed that side effects associated with antidepressants are inevitable. 

You may never know how the drug will affect you as it affects people in different ways. Several studies have also reported that people start having a more pronounced side when their dose is escalated for the first time. 

One important thing to mention here is that it is extremely important to rule out any possible drug interactions between your prescription medications. 

Several studies suggest that a combination of meds can be heavy on your stomach that can affect your skin as well, and may cause acne, pimples and excessive sebum secretion. Always make sure that your prescription medications are compatible with one another. 

Is there any way to get rid of celexa induced acne? 

There are a few tips to help get rid of celexa induced acne and may help to make your skin healthy. These tips include:

Try dose reduction

Talk to your healthcare provider if you suffer from celexa induced acne. If your dose is recently escalated, it may indicate that your body is not taking that increased dose well. 

If your acne is severe and you also suffer from other side effects then your doctor may reduce your dose to provide some ease. Your body will be given more time to adjust to the medication at a lower dose and then the dose will be increased, that too gradually. 

However, celexa induced side effects usually begin to subside within 2 to 3 weeks of treatment. Your face may start to clear up within a few weeks after your body has completely adjusted to the new increased dose. 

Make sure you don’t reduce the dose or stop taking your antidepressant without your doctor’s approval. 

Keep your skin hydrated

Hydration is a key to healthy skin. Make sure you drink plenty of water as dehydration is one of the most important factors that can make your acne much more severe and irritating. 

It not only destroys the freshness of your skin, but can also mess up your confidence and the way you usually approach people. That is why make sure your skin has enough hydration. Apart from drinking water, use a good hydrating moisturiser. 

Some people stop moisturising their skin in summer simply thinking that they don’t need it, but that’s not true. You need moisturiser irrespective of the season. 

You can keep your moisturiser in your refrigerator to keep it cool so that it’ll leave a cooling sensation when you apply it in hot weather. You can also use aloe vera gel, which is considered the best natural moisturiser.

Aloe vera not just hydrates your skin, but it also fights against the bacteria and can help reduce the inflammation. It can also enhance the healing of your acne. 

You can cut the aloe vera leaf and apply the gel directly on your skin or you can mix that gel with water or rose water and store it in a spray bottle. You can keep this bottle in the fridge and spray this cold and refreshing mixture on your face whenever needed. 

Use tea tree oil for spot treatment 

Tea tree oil is another natural way to fight against your acne. It not only helps to reduce inflammation and any pus present in your pimples, but can also fight against any opportunistic bacteria that may start to make your celexa induced acne much worse. 

Tea tree oil is pretty strong so it should not be used directly on your skin, especially those people who have comparatively much sensitive skin. It may cause dryness, itching and a burning sensation. It’s always best to do a little patch test to see how it reacts on your skin. 

If you feel burning immediately after applying, it indicates an allergic reaction. It’s recommended to not use tea tree oil on your face if any such thing happens.

It is recommended to go for spot treatment. Dilute tea tree oil in carrier oils and then apply on your acne using a cotton ball or your finger. Leave it there for a while. It is advised to do this treatment at bedtime. If it causes dryness, make sure you use a good hydrating moisturiser after it. 

Use apple cider vinegar 

Apple cider vinegar is also used to treat acne. It has acetic acid and citric acid which can help fight against your acne and pimples and shrink them.

It is not recommended to apply ACV directly on your skin. Dilute it with some water and apply on your skin. Make sure you properly cleanse your skin first. Do not apply on an unclean face. 

Use cinnamon and honey together 

Cinnamon and honey masks can also be used to fight against your acne. Several studies suggest that these two when combined together can help shrink your acne and also helps to get rid of the scars which are often left behind. 

You can make this mask by adding one teaspoon of cinnamon in one to two tablespoons of honey. Mix the two together and apply on your face. One important thing to mention here is that it may not work on everyone. 

Just like meds, these home remedies also produce different kinds of effects on people. It may help some, while it may not do anything for others. 

Use green tea on your skin

Green tea is also used to help treat your acne. It is anti-inflammatory in nature and can help fight against any bacteria that may invade. You can either dip your tea bag in warm water and apply it on your face directly, or you can let it steep for a while and then apply the water on your face. 

Cleanse and exfoliate your skin daily

It is important to clean your skin properly. This may seem to be the easiest thing to do and some people may think that it does not hold enough importance, but trust me, it makes a huge difference. It is crucial to wash your face right after you get back from home. 

Leaving that dirt and oil on your face will make your acne much worse. Not just this, it will make your skin susceptible to getting celexa induced acne in the first place. 

Make sure you exfoliate your skin every once in a while. It helps to remove dead skin cells and keep your skin fresh. Always remember to apply a good moisturiser after cleansing and exfoliating your skin. 

Don’t eat a diet too heavy on your stomach 

Several studies suggest that too fatty and oily diet can make a negative impact on your skin. Too much spice can do the same and cause breakouts, irrespective of your antidepressant. Make sure you eat a healthy diet. 

Add lots of fruits and veggies as they are the key to healthy and glowing skin. You can also apply the leftovers of your fruits on your face, as they are well known for making your skin radiant. 

Manage your stress

Stress is another reason why you can suffer from acne. It not only makes your skin unhealthy, but will also make your antidepressant inefficient. 

Stress can also mess with your eating patterns and promote the growth of belly fat. Make sure you control your stress levels and stay healthy. 

Stay active

Staying active is another key to keeping your skin healthy. Make sure you work out at least 3-4 times a week. Drink plenty of water after that and apply a good quality moisturiser after properly cleaning your face after a steaming workout session. 

Exercise increases the blood flow towards your face that’s why you look all red and your skin feels warm. This increased blood flow can help heal your skin master. 

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have discussed celexa induced acne. This side effect is more commonly reported in women, usually around 40-50 years of age. 

Celexa causes a number of different side effects in individuals and it’s impossible to predict how your body will react once it is exposed to this antidepressant. Make sure you don’t reduce the dose or stop taking your antidepressant without your doctor’s approval. 

FAQs: does celexa cause acne

Can Celexa make your face break out?

Yes, celexa can make your face breakout. This side effect is more commonly reported in women, usually around 40-50 years of age. Celexa causes a number of different side effects in individuals and it’s impossible to predict how your body will react once it is exposed to this antidepressant. 

Can citalopram cause skin problems?

Yes, citalopram may cause skin problems like acne and pimples. This side effect is more commonly reported in women, usually around 40-50 years of age. 

What is the most common side effect of Celexa?

Common side effects of celexa include:

• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhoea or Constipation 
• Acid reflux or heartburn 
• Abdominal pain 
• Loss of appetite 
• Weight gain or loss 
• Excessive sweating or night sweating (nocturnal/night hyperhidrosis) 
• Frequent urination 
• Polydipsia or excessive thirst
• Tremors 
• Muscle twitching and pain
• Drowsiness 
• Dizziness 

What are the long term side effects of citalopram?

• Auditory or visual hallucinations 
• Nose bleeds
• Severe headache
• Arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeats
• Impaired memory and concentration 
• Convulsions 
• Swelling or tenderness in different parts of the body.

What should you not take with citalopram?

• Monoaminoxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) 
• Pimozide 
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) 
• Antipsychotics 
• Controlled substances 
• Alcohol 

How long can you stay on citalopram?

You can stay on citalopram as long as you need to. Some people are being treated for more than 20 years now. Make sure you take your antidepressant regularly and as properly as you can in order to ensure safe usage. 

References 

• Celexa and Acne – a phase IV clinical study of FDA data https://www.ehealthme.com/ds/celexa/acne/
• Citalopram Side Effects https://www.drugs.com/sfx/citalopram-side-effects.html
• National Health Service (NHS) – Treatment of acne https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/treatment/ 
• How Going On Antidepressants For The First Time Changed My Skin https://www.refinery29.com/amp/en-us/antidepressants-side-effects-skin-acne