Can Citalopram damage the brain? (+7 warning signs)

This article discusses whether citalopram can damage the brain. The article will also discuss scientific studies on this topic, some symptoms of brain damage, and what one should do if citalopram affects their cognitive functions.

Can citalopram damage the brain?

No, citalopram can not necessarily cause brain damage. However, it may cause some side effects that may affect your cognitive functions when this antidepressant is used for a long time.

It is important to note that citalopram, like other SSRIs, acts solely on the neurotransmitter system and does not target brain tissues directly. While Citalopram does have a lot of side effects, brain damage is not typically one of them.

Based on the current scientific evidence, there is no substantial indication that citalopram damages the brain. Some research, however, suggests that it may have some impact on brain structure such as promoting neuroplasticity and potentially reducing hippocampal shrinkage caused by depression.

The exact mechanisms and outcomes in these studies may vary. In most conclusions of research papers conducted on this matter, it is clear that citalopram’s effects on brain structure are due to its antidepressant action, combating the neurobiological changes associated with depression and stress.

Further investigation is necessary to fully understand the intricate relationship between citalopram and brain structure.

What does research suggest?

According to a study conducted in 2013, individuals with depression who took citalopram showed reduced grey matter in the hippocampus. However, it is important to note that depression is already associated with decreased grey matter.

Thus, this increase is a secondary effect of citalopram’s antidepressant action, rather than a direct alteration of brain structure [1].

Additionally, a study published in The Indian Journal of Psychiatry suggests that antidepressants, including citalopram, promote neuroplasticity in areas such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, involving various processes like neurogenesis, gliogenesis, and the formation of new synapses [2].

However, due to the neurophysiological changes that are accompanied by stress and depressed moods, It is believed that these neurogenerative effects are attributed to the antidepressant action of the drugs, counteracting the negative neuro changes caused by depression [2].

However, two other studies did not find any changes in brain volume when participants were given selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Specifically, there were no noticeable differences in the size of the hippocampus [3].

A study published in The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology discovered that long-term use of citalopram affects the dopamine and noradrenaline systems in the prefrontal cortex. Specifically, citalopram treatment was found to reduce dopamine activity while increasing 5-HT1A receptor signalling [4].

Warning signs for declining brain function while taking citalopram

Brain damage can manifest in various signs and symptoms, the most common symptoms include:

• Cognitive Changes: Brain damage can lead to memory loss, difficulty concentrating, impaired problem-solving, and decreased processing speed.

• Motor Difficulties: This includes weakness or paralysis on one side of the body (hemiplegia), coordination problems, muscle stiffness, tremors, or difficulty with balance and walking.

• Sensory Abnormalities: Changes in vision, hearing, taste, or smell, such as blurred vision, hearing impairment, or altered perception of taste and smell can be warning signs of potential brain damage

• Language and Communication Problems: Difficulty speaking, understanding language, word finding, or problems expressing thoughts and ideas.

• Emotional and Behavioral Changes: Mood swings, irritability, personality changes, or social difficulties.

• Headaches and Dizziness: Brain damage may cause persistent headaches or frequent episodes of dizziness or vertigo.

• Sleep Disturbances: Brain damage can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness.

Can one’s lifestyle influence citalopram-induced brain damage?

Some foods, drinks, and everyday life factors put individuals at higher risk for brain damage. It is important to note that moderation, overall life choices, and individual factors play a role in how these affect each person differently. A few examples of these factors are mentioned below:

• Chronic sleep deprivation
• Sedentary Lifestyle (regular exercise promotes healthy blood flow to the brain).
• Sugary foods (they can lead to inflammation and negative effects on brain function over time).
• Trans Fats (they may cause inflammation and damage blood vessels in the brain).
• Chronic Stress
• Alcoholism

Surely, the list above is not exhaustive, and individual reactions can vary.

What to do if you experience neurological side effects of citalopram?

Reach out to your healthcare provider if you think citalopram is affecting your cognitive functions or causing unusual damage to your psychological health. Your doctor may try and reduce your dose to see if it makes a difference.

However, some people may not do well on citalopram and such cases may require drug discontinuation. Just make sure you do not make any changes to your prescription without consulting your doctor first.

Citalopram is relatively a safe antidepressant, However, it is essential to be aware of the proper way to administer citalopram to minimize the risk of suffering from such side effects.

Taking the medication at the same time every day helps maintain consistent levels in your body. It is important to swallow the tablets whole and avoid crushing, chewing, or breaking them. ]

If you have any concerns or questions, it is best to ask your healthcare provider, who can discuss potential adjustments to the dosage or prescribe alternative options.

You must never suddenly stop the medication, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms. It is crucial to consult your healthcare provider before making any adjustments to your treatment plan.

How to optimize brain health while taking citalopram?

Here are several strategies and recommendations that have been suggested and researched to optimize brain health and minimize the risk of brain damage:

Aim for a healthier lifestyle

Healthy lifestyles lead to healthy brains. Here are some tips to have a healthy lifestyle that protects the brain:

• Healthy Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide essential nutrients for brain health. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins B, C, and E are particularly beneficial.

• Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity promotes healthy blood flow to the brain, improves cardiovascular health, and enhances cognitive function. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with strength training exercises.

• Quality Sleep: Prioritize sufficient and quality sleep to support brain health. Most adults require 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Good sleep hygiene practices, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a conducive sleep environment, can enhance sleep quality.

• Stress Management: Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on brain health. Engaging in stress-reducing practices like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or engaging in hobbies and activities that promote relaxation can help manage stress levels.

• Brain-Healthy Habits: Avoid smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products, limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels, and avoid illicit drug use to minimize the risk of brain damage.

Engage in cognitive training

Some cognitive training exercises and programs are designed to enhance specific cognitive skills (memory, attention, problem-solving). Such activities may help improve cognitive function and protect against citalopram-related cognitive decline.

Manage chronic conditions

Effective management of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol can reduce the risk of brain damage and other complications associated with these conditions. Such comorbidities can put patients taking citalopram at a higher risk for brain-related adverse effects.

Avoiding brain injury

It is necessary to take precautions to prevent traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), such as wearing seatbelts, using safety equipment during sports activities, and practising caution in potentially hazardous situations.

It’s important to note that these strategies are general recommendations and may vary depending on individual circumstances and medical conditions. As always, consulting with healthcare professionals can provide personalized guidance tailored to specific needs and circumstances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, scientific evidence suggests that brain damage while taking citalopram is rare and uncommon. While it may have some impact on brain structure, such as promoting neuroplasticity and mitigating hippocampal shrinkage, this is believed to be a result of its antidepressant action.

Any neurological side effects should be discussed with a doctor. Various medications and medical conditions can be the reason for possible brain damage. These conditions include stroke, traumatic brain injuries, certain infections, brain tumours, alcoholism, etc.

Lifestyle factors (presence of neurotoxins in the surrounding environment, alcoholism, diet, poor sleep, stress, and substance abuse) can potentially lead to brain damage, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking medical guidance are important for brain health.

References