Can you take 30mg of citalopram? (5 factors)

By Ivan Kahwa
Page last updated: 02/02/2024 | Next review date: 02/02/2026
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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 

 

 

 

 


Ivan Kahwa
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In this article, we will explore whether you can take 30mg of citalopram. Furthermore, we will discuss the dosage recommendations for citalopram, the safety of self-adjustment of citalopram dose, and factors influencing the appropriate dosage of citalopram.

Can you take 30mg of citalopram?

Yes, you can take 30mg of citalopram, but citalopram treatment should not be started with 30mg. In the initial phase, citalopram should be given at lower doses and gradually increase the dose as per the patient’s response. 

Citalopram, also known as Celexa, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant that is FDA-approved to treat depression in adult patients. However, citalopram can be used in clinical settings to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and hit flashes during menopause (1).

Citalopram works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the synaptic regions of the brain. Citalopram does not impact other neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine or dopamine. Serotonin helps to regulate various body functions including sleep, mood, appetite, emotions, and the body’s response to stressful situations (2). 

What are the dosage recommendations for citalopram?

The dosage recommendations for citalopram as approved by the FDA are discussed below:

  • Citalopram treatment should be started at a lower dose of 20mg per day in adults with major depressive disorder. 
  • The dose can be increased at least after a week’s gap up to 40mg per day as per the patient’s specific needs. 
  • Citalopram dose is increased at a weekly increment of 10mg up to the maximum daily limit of 40mg. 
  • For elderly patients who have comorbid conditions and delayed metabolism due to age factors, the maximum daily recommended dose of citalopram is 20mg per day. 
  • Citalopram can be consumed with or without food once daily. 
  • You can take citalopram either in the morning or night depending on your symptoms and response to the medication (3). 

Is it safe to self-adjust the dose of citalopram to 30mg?

No, it is not safe to self-adjust the dose of citalopram to 30mg or other strengths. It is your doctor’s responsibility to determine the appropriate dosage for you that best suits your needs.

Your doctor will evaluate your current symptoms, family or medical history, and response to the medication while determining the right dosage for you. If you think that your condition is not improving with citalopram, you should wait for a while as antidepressants like citalopram may take some time to show their therapeutic benefits.

What are the side effects associated with 30mg of citalopram?

In the initial phase of citalopram treatment, you may observe some common side effects such as:

These side effects associated with the early phase of citalopram treatment may subside once your body adapts to the medication (4). Some side effects can be serious, but they are rare, including:

  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Headaches
  • Seizures
  • Loss of concentration
  • Unconsciousness 
  • Vertigo
  • Chest pains
  • Difficulty in breathing or swallowing

If your side effects persist or worsen, you should consult your doctor. They will adjust your citalopram dose as per your specific needs. Do not change the time or dose, and never stop taking citalopram on your own, as sudden discontinuation may result in withdrawal symptoms (5). 

What factors influence the appropriate dosage of citalopram?

The factors that influence the appropriate dosage of citalopram may include: 

  • Age factors influence the choice of dosage as the maximum daily recommended dose for adults is 40mg and for the elderly, it is 20mg. 
  • If there are certain underlying health issues, such as kidney or liver problems, the dose of citalopram should be adjusted accordingly. 
  • The intensity of depression symptoms may also impact the choice of dosage of citalopram. 
  • Individuals vary from each other in their genetic makeup and physiological responses, therefore they may require adjustment to citalopram dose depending on individual sensitivity. 
  • If you are taking other medications along with citalopram that may interact with citalopram, your doctor may adjust your dose accordingly (3). 

In my opinion, you can take 30mg of citalopram tablets but the treatment should not be started with this much dose. Citalopram is an antidepressant and its dose should only be decided by your healthcare provider. Always consult with your heathcare provider of you want to change your doage, timings, or medicine due to any side effects. 

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References

1.-

Sharbaf Shoar N, Fariba KA, Padhy RK. Citalopram. 2023 Nov 7. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29489221. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29489221/

2.-

Bamalan OA, Moore MJ, Al Khalili Y. Physiology, Serotonin. 2023 Jul 30. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31424752. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31424752/

3.-

Citalopram-FDA label. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020822s047lbl.pdf

4.-

Citalopram-MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [Last Revised – 01/15/2022]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699001.html

5.-

Benazzi F. Citalopram withdrawal symptoms. Eur Psychiatry. 1998 Jul;13(4):219. doi: 10.1016/S0924-9338(98)80007-2. PMID: 19698629. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19698629/

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