Does Celexa cause mood changes? (3 + factors)
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 whether Celexa causes mood changes. We will also discuss some factors that may affect your mood while taking Celexa and what you should do if this side effect occurs.
Does Celexa cause mood changes?
Yes, Celexa (Citalopram) can cause mood changes in some people, however, the incidence is low.
Celexa, a brand for Citalopram, is an antidepressant used to treat mental health conditions like depression and anxiety (1).
Although Celexa is intended to help stabilise mood over time, it is possible to experience some fluctuation in mood when starting or discontinuing the medication.
Who is most likely to experience Celexa-induced mood changes?
Mood changes as a side effect of Citalopram can occur at any time during treatment. However, they are most likely to occur during the start and at the end of the treatment with Celexa.
It is important to note that not everyone using Celexa will experience mood swings or other potential side effects.
Initiation of treatment with Celexa
The first few weeks of the treatment with Celexa are called initiation phase. It usually lasts for the first few weeks. Mood changes are likely to be experienced in these initial weeks to months of the treatment with the medication or when there are changes in the dosages of the medication.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that boosts mood, regulates anxiety and improves sleep. Citalopram works by increasing serotonin levels. As the treatment progresses and the body becomes accustomed to Citalopram, these mood changes tend to subside.
These mood changes can include improvement in mood for individuals who were previously depressed or, in some cases, the emergence of other mood-related side effects.
After 4-6 weeks of consistent use, individuals start experiencing the full therapeutic effect of Citalopram, including improved mood, sleep and overall well-being.
Discontinuation of treatment with Citalopram
Mood changes are also experienced when discontinuing Citalopram abruptly. This is called the “tapering-off” or “discontinuation phase”.
It is crucial to remember that never discontinue antidepressants including Celexa abruptly as it can cause discontinuation syndrome leading to symptoms such as hallucinations, dizziness, irritability, agitation, nausea, imbalance, sensory disturbances, and mood swings (2,3).
Antidepressants such as Citalopram aim to improve your mood, potentially leading to better sleep and reduced anxiety.
What factors can affect your mood while taking Celexa?
Several factors cause mood changes while taking Citalopram. These include:
Side effects: Celexa can indirectly affect your mood by causing some side effects (4). Some side effects that can lead to mood changes include:
Underlying conditions: Underlying mental disorders like anxiety and bipolar disorder can affect mood while taking Citalopram.
Withdrawal symptoms: Skipping the doses or discontinuing the medication abruptly can cause mood changes. Always discontinue Celexa under medical supervision.
Individual responses: Every individual has unique body chemistry, which means how they respond to medications like Celexa. Some individuals might experience mood changes due to their specific physiological makeup.
What to do if Celexa causes mood changes?
If Celexa is affecting your mood in a way that is concerning or uncomfortable, it is essential to take the following steps.
- Reach out to your healthcare provider who prescribed you Celexa. Describe the specific mood changes you are facing and how they affect your daily life. They can assess your situation and recommend appropriate actions.
- Your healthcare provider may suggest various options including adjusting the dosage of Celexa, trying a different medication, or exploring additional forms of therapy.
- If your healthcare provider decides to make changes to your medication, it is essential to taper off Celexa gradually to avoid any withdrawal symptoms.
- If mood changes are affecting your daily routine consider seeking support from a therapist. Psychotherapy such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can help in managing mood disorders.
- Incorporate self-care practices in your routine like regular exercise, taking a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.
Conclusion
Celexa can cause mood changes, especially during the initial phase and when discontinuing the medication. If you are experiencing mood changes while taking Celexa, it is essential to reach out to your healthcare provider. They can find the right approach to manage your mood effectively.
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References
2.-
Gabriel M, Sharma V. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. CMAJ. 2017 May 29;189(21):E747. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.160991. PMID: 28554948; PMCID: PMC5449237.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5449237/
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