Does Celexa affect thyroid function? (3+ effects)
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 explore the potential effects of Celexa on thyroid function. We will also explore research studies on this topic and discuss the possible side effects and their management
Does Celexa affect thyroid function?
Yes, Celexa (Citalopram) does affect thyroid function and thyroid dysregulation is frequently observed with antidepressant medications, particularly selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs). However, it is important to note that individual responses to these medications can vary, and not everyone using Celexa will necessarily experience thyroid dysregulation.
Although there is limited clinical evidence regarding Celexa’s effect on thyroid function, numerous studies have investigated potential interactions between SSRIs and thyroid hormones.
The thyroid gland plays a vital role in regulating metabolism and energy production through the production of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones. As an SSRI, Celexa does influence thyroid hormone levels, which could potentially lead to complications like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism (1,2,3).
What does research suggest?
As mentioned earlier, research studies have established a connection between SSRI medications and thyroid function.
A study that investigated SSRI-induced thyroid dysregulation in a group of 29 patients, reported SSRI medication, including Citalopram, potentially suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion through antagonism of the dopamine-serotonergic pathway causing thyroid dysregulation (8).
Furthermore, another study reported the case of a 35-year-old woman undergoing treatment with Citalopram. This case indicated that prolonged use of this medication mimics hypothyroidism by displacing bound T4 (9).
Conversely, studies have hypothesized that thyroid hormones enhance antidepressant therapy in the management of mood disorders (2,3,7).
How does Citalopram affect thyroid function?
The mechanism of action of Citalopram involves elevating serotonin levels in the brain and peripheral system. Studies have hypothesized a direct link between Citalopram’s effects on the thyroid and the action of serotonin along the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis (HPT axis).
The HPT axis governs the production of thyroid hormones. The hypothalamus releases thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which signals the pituitary gland to produce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH, in turn, stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T4 and T3 (3).
Celexa-induced alterations of serotonin levels can influence the release of TRH and TSH, thus affecting thyroid hormone production and regulation. Moreover, serotonin receptors along the HPT axis may modulate the release of TRH and TSH, affecting thyroid hormone production (1).
Additionally, serotonin plays a role in the body’s response to stress. Stress often triggers the release of cortisol, a stress hormone, which may affect the HPT axis and thyroid function.
Through these mechanisms, dysregulation induced by Celexa may manifest as either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Clinical manifestations of Celexa-induced thyroid dysregulation:
Celexa-induced thyroid dysregulation can manifest in two ways:
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is characterized by an underactive thyroid, resulting in insufficient thyroid hormone levels. This condition can be caused by factors such as iodine deficiency and medications like SSRIs, including Sertraline and Celexa. Similar to the side effects of Celexa, hypothyroidism can manifest as fatigue, dehydration, headaches, constipation, changes in appetite and more (5).
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, refers to an overactive thyroid, marked by increased thyroid hormone production and elevated thyroid radioactive iodine uptake. Much like the side effects of Celexa, it may lead to symptoms such as diarrhoea, insomnia, irritability, changes in sexual activity and more (6).
It is important to note that these conditions may influence Citalopram’s side effects in certain individuals, and conversely, this could exacerbate pre-existing conditions like depression and anxiety.
How to manage Celexa-induced thyroid dysregulation?
If you suspect that Celexa is causing thyroid dysregulation, it is crucial to discuss this with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may consider adjusting the dosage to see if it can alleviate these concerns.
Furthermore, if undesirable effects related to thyroid dysregulation persist, your doctor may recommend discontinuing the medication under their guidance. They might also suggest transitioning to an alternative antidepressant with a lower likelihood of affecting the thyroid.
In managing thyroid dysregulation disorders, your doctor may also prescribe medications in the following ways:
- For the management of hyperthyroidism – Carbamizole (20mg per day) or Propylthiouracil (300-450mg per day). Additionally, Beta-blockers like Propranolol can be used to alleviate symptoms such as rapid heart rate and tremors.
- For the management of hypothyroidism – Levothyroxine 50-75mcg per day.
Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, practising stress management and adopting good sleep hygiene practices can optimize thyroid health and reduce the risk of thyroid dysregulation.
Conclusion
This article has explored Celexa-induced thyroid dysregulation, its clinical manifestations, and provided helpful tips for managing these conditions.
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References
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Keen F, Chalishazar A, Mitchem K, Dodd A, Kalhan A. Central hypothyroidism related to antipsychotic and antidepressant medications: an observational study and literature review. European Thyroid Journal [Internet]. 2022 Apr 1 [cited 2023 Oct 12];11(2). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8963170/
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Cohen BM, Sommer BR, Vuckovic A. Antidepressant-Resistant Depression in Patients With Comorbid Subclinical Hypothyroidism or High-Normal TSH Levels. American Journal of Psychiatry [Internet]. 2018 Jul [cited 2023 Oct 12];175(7):598–604. Available from: https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2017.17080949
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