Does Celexa Affect Memory? (3+ Factors)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 02/01/2024 | Next review date: 02/01/2026

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 discuss whether Celexa (Citalopram) affects memory. We will also discuss some research studies and how to manage memory concerns while on Celexa.

Does Celexa affect memory?

Yes, Celexa (Citalopram) can affect memory. Memory-related side effects are relatively uncommon with Celexa and not everyone who takes the medication will experience them.

Celexa (Citalopram) is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is primarily prescribed to treat depression and anxiety disorders (1).

When memory-related side effects occur, they are often mild and temporary. Some people may notice problems with concentration or short-term memory while they are taking Celexa, but these issues typically resolve when the medication is discontinued or after the body adjusts to it (2).

It is also important to note that, Celexa being an antidepressant, can also help people with memory disorders associated with depression.

What does research suggest?

There is limited research indicating the effect of Celexa on memory. However, SSRIs in general can affect memory, especially in people who are new to this medication or antidepressants in general.

Antidepressant side effects are commonly seen with their higher doses and long duration of use. One study indicated that using antidepressants over an extended period, particularly in higher doses, is linked to a higher risk of developing dementia (loss of thinking, remembering and reasoning).

Taking such medications for a longer period of time and at high doses can increase the risk of dementia and other side effects (3).

Another study finds that in patients who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or depression and are new to SSRI treatment, there can be a gradual decrease in their memory function during the initial 8 weeks of starting the medication.

Interestingly this memory decline is not linked to the patient’s age, gender, or level of education (4).

Another study reported that dementia is more commonly seen in elderly depressed patients being treated with SSRIs. Dementia is a condition that decreases a person’s thinking and memory abilities and makes it difficult for them to perform daily tasks (5).

Factors influencing memory impairment while using Celexa

Memory impairment while using Celexa can vary from person to person, but certain factors may make some individuals more prone to experiencing memory-related issues with this medication. These factors include:

Dosage: Higher doses of Celexa may increase the likelihood of memory problems (3).

Age: Older adults, in general, may be more susceptible to memory-related side effects while taking Celexa (5).

Pre-existing conditions: Individuals with pre-existing memory problems or cognitive impairments may be more vulnerable to memory issues while taking Celexa.

Interactions: Drug interactions with other medications or substances can increase the risk of memory impairment.

Duration of use: Long-term use of Celexa may be associated with a higher likelihood of memory-related side effects.

Dietary modification: Avoid or limit the use of alcohol and caffeine while taking Celexa, as it can result in difficulty focusing and memory-related issues.

If you are concerned about memory problems while taking Celexa or other antidepressants like Sertraline, it is crucial to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. They can help assess your specific situation and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Symptoms of memory impairment while using Celexa

Patients with memory issues may have problems with thinking abilities, which affects their daily lives. Some signs and symptoms include:

Struggling with basic tasks
Feeling restless and having mood swings
Trouble expressing oneself clearly
Short-term memory loss (6).

What to do if Celexa causes memory problems?

If Celexa affects your memory, either directly or indirectly, you should discuss it with your doctor. Celexa is a good antidepressant, but it might not be the best choice for everyone.

Your healthcare provider will examine your current symptoms, other underlying health conditions, and your response to the treatment. They may adjust the dosage of the medication or may switch to another antidepressant if necessary.

However, make sure you don’t make any changes to your prescription without consulting your doctor first.

Tips to manage memory-related issues while taking Celexa

If you are experiencing memory-related issues while on Celexa, you may try some of the following lifestyle modifications to cope with it:

Quit smoking as it may increase the risk of memory impairment.
Maintain a well-balanced diet and take vitamin supplements.
Be physically active and lose weight if you are obese.
Manage your blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.
Regularly take your antidepressants at the same time each day.
Ensure your 8-9 hours sleep daily.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Celexa is generally well-tolerated by most individuals and memory-related side effects are relatively uncommon, some people may experience changes in memory or cognitive functions while taking Celexa.

Therefore, it is essential for individuals taking Celexa to communicate any concerns about memory impairment with their healthcare provider, who can provide personalized guidance and adjust the treatment plan if necessary.