Can Celexa prevent migraines? (+3 precautions)
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 the effectiveness of Celexa in preventing migraines. We will also discuss research-based evidence indicating the use of Celexa in migraines, the mechanism of Celexa in preventing migraines, and precautions to avoid a migraine attack.
Can Celexa prevent migraines?
Yes, Celexa can be used to prevent migraines. Celexa (Citalopram) is an SSRI antidepressant indicated for the treatment of a variety of conditions like depression, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (1).
Celexa has also been effective in preventing migraines. However, due to a lack of evidence, it is not commonly prescribed to prevent migraines.
A migraine is a type of headache that results in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and light and sound sensitivity. Some individuals may also experience throbbing pain only on one side of their head (2).
People with depression and anxiety often experience migraines and headaches; therefore, antidepressants like SSRIs (Celexa), SNRIs (Venlafaxine), and tricyclic antidepressants (Amitriptyline) are often used in the prevention of migraines (1).
What does research suggest?
A limited number of studies have indicated the effectiveness of Celexa in preventing migraines. One research study aimed at determining the role of Celexa in migraine prevention concludes that Celexa at a dose of 30 mg/day effectively reduces the frequency, duration, and severity of migraines (1).
This was a two-month study that involved 226 participants divided into two groups. The treatment group received a daily 30 mg dose of Celexa, while the control group received a placebo at the same dose (1).
Initially, there was no significant difference observed between the two groups. However, within two months, there was a drastic difference between the two groups in terms of the frequency, duration, and severity of migraine episodes (1).
As a result, the study concluded that administering Celexa for 1-2 months can effectively prevent migraines (1).
How can Celexa prevent migraines?
The mechanism by which Celexa and other antidepressants prevent migraines is not fully understood. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, is thought to play a major role in the development of migraines. Serotonin is associated with migraines in two ways: (1):
- Serotonin levels in the brain appear to be lower during a migraine episode.
- Serotonin also triggers the trigeminal nerve to produce a neuropeptide. This neuropeptide causes vasodilation on the brain’s outer layers, leading to an inflammatory response resulting in a migraine episode.
Celexa prevents migraines by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the central nervous system (CNS). This action leads to an increase in serotonin levels in the brain, thus reducing the intensity of migraines (1).
Precautions to avoid migraine attacks
The following precautions are recommended to avoid a migraine attack (3):
- Sleeping in a room with few or no lights is recommended during a migraine episode.
- Avoid foods that may trigger migraines, such as aspartame sweeteners, and tyramine-containing foods like beans and cheese, yoghurt, etc.
- Keep yourself hydrated and limit your caffeine and alcohol intake.
- It is recommended that you maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat regularly; it is recommended never to skip your meals, as skipping meals can also trigger a migraine attack.
- Be more physically active, as exercise or other moderate physical activities can reduce the frequency of migraines.
- It is recommended to get at least 8 hours of sleep every day. Poor sleeping habits are also associated with triggering a migraine episode.
- Stress can also trigger migraines. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid stressful situations to reduce the frequency of migraine episodes.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the effectiveness of Celexa in preventing migraines. We have also discussed research-based evidence indicating the use of Celexa in migraines, the mechanism of Celexa in preventing migraines, and precautions to avoid a migraine attack.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Torabipour, S., Roohani, Y., Davati, A., Ansari, I., Roghani, M., Akhavirad, S. M. B., Pourfarzam, S., Moghadamnia, M., Afshinmajd, S. Preventive effect of citalopram on migraine headaches: a double-blinded randomized clinical trial. Journal of Basic and Clinical Pathophysiology, 2020; 8(2): 1-6. doi: 10.22070/jbcp.2020.13785.1137 https://jbcp.shahed.ac.ir/article_3064.html#:~:text=Conclusion%3A%20The%20outcome%20of%20this,severe%20and%20shorter%20migraine%20episodes.
2.-
Migraine: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000709.htm
3.-
Website N. Migraine [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2023. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/#:~:text=A%20GP%20may%20also%20recommend,learning%20relaxation%20techniques%20and%20acupuncture.
Find a supportive therapist who can help with Depression.
Discover the convenience of BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connecting you with licensed and accredited therapists specialized in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Complete the assessment and find your ideal therapist within just 48 hours.
AskYourPharm is user-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site
