Does Celexa help mood swings? (+3 options)

In this article, we will discuss the role of Celexa (Citalopram) in managing mood swings. We will further explore the potential side effects of Celexa and alternative treatment options for managing mood swings. 

Does Celexa help mood swings?

Celexa does help manage mood swings in individuals if they are associated with underlying depression and anxiety. However, Celexa is not used for the management of mood swings associated with mood disorders such as bipolar disorder.

Mood swings refer to abrupt and intense changes in one’s emotional state, shifting from one mood to another. In depression, individuals often experience episodes of intense sadness, hopelessness, and low mood. Within these episodes, mood swings can occur, with moments of deeper sadness followed by periods of relatively less intense sadness.

Celexa ( citalopram), being an SSRI antidepressant is commonly used in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, or major depressive disorder. Celexa is beneficial in the elevation and stabilization of mood in individuals, it reduces negative thoughts, agitation, and other associated symptoms of depression and anxiety.

What does research suggest?

While there is limited research on the effectiveness of Celexa in managing mood swings, some studies have pointed towards its potential to enhance one’s mood by regulating serotonin levels (1).

According to research, serotonin plays an important role in the regulation of various physiological functions such as mood, sleep, and appetite. Celexa enhances the serotonin level and indirectly stabilizes the mood (3). 

A research study suggested that Celexa reduces mood-related symptoms resulting from acute immune system activation by endotoxin, without affecting the peripheral immune response (2).

Another study showed that Celexa reduced the frequency of crying episodes in patients with post-stroke pathological crying and enhanced the overall emotional well-being of individuals (4). 

Signs and symptoms associated with mood swings

Mood swings can show up differently in different depressive people, but there are some common signs and indicators that may suggest you are experiencing mood swings.

• If you notice that your emotions frequently shift from high to low or vice versa without any apparent external trigger, it could be a sign of mood swings. 
• Some individuals with depression may experience mood swings that include heightened anxiety or nervousness. Anxiety symptoms can come and go, intensifying mood swings.
• You might feel extremely upset over a minor inconvenience or overly happy about a small success.
• Sometimes, mood swings can also have physical symptoms like changes in appetite, fatigue, or changes in sleep patterns.
•  Mood swings may include episodes of uncontrollable crying. Individuals may find themselves crying easily and frequently, even in response to minor triggers.

Mood swings can be unpredictable and occur unexpectedly, making it challenging to control your emotional responses to various situations.

Factors influencing the effectiveness of Celexa in managing mood swings

There are several factors that can influence the effectiveness of Celexa in managing mood swings. These factors include:

Stressful Lifestyle

High-stress levels can counteract the mood-stabilizing effects of Celexa. Chronic stress triggers the release of stress hormones, which can interfere with the regulation of mood. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and lifestyle changes can help improve the medication’s effectiveness.

Non-adherence

Failing to take Celexa as prescribed or discontinuing the medication abruptly can lead to a relapse of depressive symptoms. It can lead to fluctuations of the medication in the blood, potentially resulting in mood instability.  It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosage and duration of treatment. 

Underlying health condition

Celexa is prescribed for managing depression and anxiety. It does not manage mood swings associated with other underlying conditions such as bipolar disorder. It’s crucial to ensure an accurate diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment for specific mood disorders.

Considerations and side effects of Celexa for mood swings

Celexa may cause certain side effects in individuals during the first few weeks of treatment. However, these side effects are temporary and usually subside after 8 to 12 weeks of treatment.

The most frequently reported side effects of Celexa include:

• Insomnia
• Headache
• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Dry mouth 
• Serotonin syndrome
• Dizziness

It is important to note that not everyone who takes Celexa experiences all of these side effects. The intensity of side effects may also vary from person to person. However, if you experience severe and persistent unusual symptoms after taking Celexa, consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Alternatives to Celexa if it fails to treat mood swings

The choice of medications for mood swings may depend on several factors such as underlying causes, and individual needs. If the mood swings are not associated with depression or anxiety, Celexa is not useful in such cases. The most commonly prescribed medications for managing mood swings associated with other conditions include:

Lithium:  It plays an important role in stabilizing mood in individuals with bipolar disorder. It balances certain neurotransmitters in the brain that help in the regulation of mood (6).

Anti-convulsants (Valproic acid): It helps to treat mood swings and other associated symptoms of mania or bipolar disorder. It effectively reduces the intensity and frequency of mood swings in such patients (7). 

Atypical antipsychotics (Quetiapine): Atypical antipsychotics are used to calm excessive excitement and control manic episodes in individuals. They are helpful in mood stabilization and enhance the overall emotional stability in individuals. 

Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial to determine the most appropriate alternative treatment, lifestyle changes, or therapies based on your individual needs and underlying health condition. 

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the role of Celexa in managing mood swings, the considerations and side effects of using Celexa, and alternative treatment options for managing mood swings.

References