Does Celexa help with anger? (3+ strategies)
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 look into the role of Celexa (Citalopram) in anger management. We will also discuss some research studies and some alternate anger management strategies.
Does Celexa help with anger?
Yes, Celexa (Citalopram) helps in anger management. While Celexa may help improve mood and reduce feelings of frustration in some individuals, it is not specifically indicated for the treatment of anger.
Celexa, a brand for Citalopram, is an antidepressant used for the treatment of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression (1).
Most patients with personality disorders, brain injuries, and obsessive-compulsive disorder are diagnosed with anger issues. These can be managed by taking Celexa only under your healthcare’s guidance and supervision.
What does research suggest?
There are several studies indicating the effect of Citalopram on the management of anger in depressed patients.
One study justified the use of Citalopram for decreasing impulsive and aggressive behaviour in depressed patients (2).
Another study indicated that in a group of children and teenagers with impulsive aggression, it seems that Citalopram works well and is well-received without causing significant problems (3).
The impact of Celexa on anger management varies from person to person, and it is important to discuss any issues on anger with a healthcare provider, who can recommend appropriate treatments or interventions tailored to your specific needs.
How does Celexa help in anger management?
Celexa works by blocking the serotonin transporter in the pre-synaptic terminal and increasing serotonin synaptic levels. This increases the availability of serotonin leading to enhanced serotonergic transmission (1).
While on Celexa, the levels of serotonin in the brain are increased resulting in a reduction in anger and violent behaviour. An increased level of serotonin serves as a mood stabilizer (1).
Celexa starts exerting its antidepressant effects within 1-4 weeks of taking the medication. Clinical reports have shown a reduction in anger and aggression in patients within an estimated 8 weeks of continuous treatment with Celexa.
Celexa has shown positive results in patients coping with underlying anger and aggression. However, every patient responds differently to the treatment with Celexa for mood disorders and anger management.
Factors to be considered before using Celexa for anger
Before using Celexa to address anger, the following factors should be considered:
- Always consider a healthcare provider to discuss your anger issues to determine if Celexa is a suitable treatment option.
- Identify the root cause of anger, as Celexa is typically prescribed for depression and anxiety. If anger is due to an underlying issue, addressing that issue may be more effective.
- Be aware of potential interactions between Celexa and other medications or supplements you may be taking.
- Regularly communicate with your healthcare provider for ongoing monitoring and adjustment of the treatment plan.
Mental health patients are commonly associated with anger, agitation and hostility. Taking SSRIs can reduce these symptoms and show improvement in their mood and overall behaviour.
Always remember it is crucial to make an informed decision in consultation with a healthcare professional to determine if Celexa is the right approach for the management of your anger.
What to do if Celexa does not manage anger symptoms?
If Celexa is not helping you with anger management, it is important to reach out to your healthcare provider.
They may adjust the dose of the medication, to see if that helps. If dose adjustment does not work, they may recommend an alternative medication.
Sometimes antipsychotics may be required along with antidepressants to manage the symptoms of psychosis and mood swings along with depression.
Always remember, do not stop using antidepressants on your own as it can lead to discontinuation syndrome leading to symptoms such as hallucinations, agitation, headache, tiredness, drowsiness etc.
Non-pharmacological anger management therapies
Some alternate anger management strategies can help in improved outcomes. Some of these strategies include (4):
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT is a psychotherapy approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns to improve mental health.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR): A program that combines mindfulness meditation and awareness techniques to reduce stress and improve well-being.
Psychodynamic therapy: It is a type of talk therapy that explores how unconscious thoughts and past experiences influence current behaviours and emotions to enhance self-awareness and improve mental health.
Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, stress management and adequate sleep can help improve anger management.
Consider the above-mentioned therapies to treat anger associated with other mental health conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Celexa may indirectly help with anger by addressing underlying mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, it is not specifically designed to treat anger as a standalone condition.
Its effectiveness in managing anger can vary from person to person. The decision to use Celexa for anger management should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering the individual’s specific needs and circumstances.
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References
2.-
Reist C, Nakamura K, Sagart E, Sokolski KN, Fujimoto KA. Impulsive aggressive behavior: open-label treatment with citalopram. J Clin Psychiatry. 2003 Jan;64(1):81-5. PMID: 12590628.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12590628/
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