Can Celexa help you focus? (1+ helpful tips)
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
In this article, you will learn how Celexa affects your focus. We will also discuss the effects of Celexa on brain chemistry and what the research says about this.
Can Celexa help you focus?
Yes, Celexa can help you focus. Celexa increases serotonin levels, which helps alleviate symptoms of depression, including lack of focus. Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
The therapeutic effect of Celexa can differ from person to person. It typically takes around one to two weeks for Celexa to start showing its effect, and it’s possible that you may not notice any immediate changes during your treatment. Do not discontinue taking your medication without informing your healthcare professional.
How does Celexa help you focus?
Celexa is an SSRI which inhibits CNS neuronal reuptake of serotonin. This increases serotonin levels in the brain. The biological function of serotonin is to modulate mood, cognition, memory and other physiological activities. (1)
Celexa has a slight impact on dopamine and norepinephrine levels. Increased activity of these neurotransmitters will help you feel more active and motivated.
Celexa improves mood and focus in an individual with depression or anxiety and helps them concentrate on tasks which can be difficult due to emotional distress. Celexa makes you feel calmer and more relaxed, which gives you better focus.
What does the research suggest?
Research studies suggest that the effect of Celexa on focus is limited and not always consistent. Few studies suggest that SSRIs like Celexa may positively affect cognitive functions in individuals with depression. (2)
Other studies report individuals experiencing cognitive dysfunction and side effects like drowsiness, reduced alertness, memory problems and sometimes increased anxiety or agitation. (3) It is important to note that each individual responds to Citalopram differently, and some may experience the side effects, whereas some may not.
Side effects of Celexa, such as drowsiness, insomnia and reduced focus, are dose-dependent and vary from individual to individual. Dose-dependent side effects can be treated by simply reducing the dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about dose reduction if you are experiencing side effects.
Suppose you are experiencing a lack of focus after months of treatment that shows you are not responding to your medication. In that case, your physician may increase your dose or add another antidepressant to your regimen. Ensure you have open communication with our physician.
How to ensure safe and effective use of Celexa?
You can ensure safe and effective use of Celexa by following simple steps:
- Side effects: Give your body time to adjust to the temporary side effects of Celexa. Consult a physician if experiencing severe side effects.
- Consult your physician: Your physician may recommend adjusting the dosage to a level that will treat your depression and also minimize cognitive side effects.
- Lifestyle modification: Incorporate healthy lifestyle changes which help you improve your concentration, like exercise, a balanced diet, and good hydration.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol: These substances can decrease the effectiveness of Celexa.
- Regular checkups: Attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.
- Precaution: Do not discontinue your medication without physician guidance. If you are having any side effects, make sure you tell your physician. Your physician may reduce your dose or switch to another antidepressant.
Conclusion
The above article talks about the effect of Citalopram on focus. Celexa can help improve concentration, but the time it takes to work varies from person to person. It’s important to be patient. When concerned about your medication, talk to your healthcare provider.
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References
1.-
Sharbaf Shoar N, Fariba KA, Padhy RK. Citalopram. [Updated 2021 Dec 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482222/
2.-
Prado CE, Watt S, Crowe SF. A meta-analysis of the effects of antidepressants on cognitive functioning in depressed and non-depressed samples. Neuropsychol Rev. 2018 Mar;28(1):32-72. doi: 10.1007/s11065-018-9369-5. Epub 2018 Feb 14. PMID: 29446012. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29446012/#:~:text=Selective%20serotonin%20reuptake%20inhibitors%20(SSRI’s,function%20in%20non%2Ddepressed%20participants.
3.-
Sayyah M, Eslami K, AlaiShehni S, Kouti L. Cognitive Function before and during Treatment with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Patients with Depression or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Psychiatry J. 2016;2016:5480391. doi: 10.1155/2016/5480391. Epub 2016 Aug 15. PMID: 27597949; PMCID: PMC5002481. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5002481/
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