Does Celexa help with Depression? (+3 benefits)
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 the effectiveness of Celexa (Citalopram) in treating depression.
We will further explore the benefits and limitations of Celexa in managing depression and the alternative options for treating depression if Celexa does not work.
Does Celexa help with depression?
Yes, Celexa does help with depression. It belongs to the class of antidepressant drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that are used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, anxiety, and major depressive disorders.
Celexa works by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain, which can help to improve mood, reduce the symptoms of depression, and enhance overall emotional well-being.
What does research suggest?
Various studies have provided evidence that Celexa is a highly effective antidepressant with a more favorable side effect profile than other antidepressants. Celexa has been found to be particularly useful for patients who cannot tolerate the side effects of Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) (1).
One study found that Celexa has similar efficacy to TCAs and other SSRIs, and is well tolerated at doses ranging from 20mg to 60mg. It has been observed that Celexa has linear pharmacokinetics and minimal drug interactions (2).
Celexa is reported to be well-tolerated, even at higher doses, and has a relatively low incidence of side effects. Its therapeutic potential extends to addressing the symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with comorbid medical conditions (3).
Benefits of Celexa in treating depression
The benefits of using Celexa for depression are related to its safety profile, effectiveness, and high tolerability.
Safety profile: Celexa has a favorable safety profile, which means that it has a lower risk of side effects compared to other similar medications. This makes it an ideal option for individuals who have comorbid medical conditions.
Effectiveness: In terms of effectiveness, Celexa is known to be effective in managing depression and its associated symptoms. These symptoms may include low mood, irritability, sleep disturbances, appetite suppression, and fatigue.
High tolerability: Celexa is generally well-tolerated, which makes it a great choice for people who may not tolerate certain side effects associated with other antidepressants, such as MAOIs and TCAs.
Dosage and treatment guidelines
The dose of Celexa should be adjusted by your healthcare provider based on your condition and how well you respond to the medication.
The maximum recommended dose of Celexa in geriatrics, poor CYP 2C19 metabolizers, and patients with hepatic impairments is 20mg per day. Any increase or decrease in dosing should not be done without first informing your healthcare provider (5).
The FDA advises that the dose of Celexa should not exceed 40mg per day, as this can increase the risk of prolongation of the QT interval. If your QTc measurements consistently exceed 500ms, your healthcare provider may advise you to stop taking Celexa altogether (5).
Even if you start to feel better, it is important to continue taking Celexa for as long as your healthcare provider recommends. Abruptly stopping this medication may lead to withdrawal effects.
It is essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for specific dosages and duration of treatment, as individual responses can vary. Always take Celexa as prescribed and immediately report any unusual side effects to your healthcare provider.
Potential side effects and risks of Celexa
Like any medication, there are potential side effects and risks associated with using Celexa.
Some of the common side effects of Celexa include: (6)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Xerostomia
- Irregular heart rate
In rare cases, Celexa may cause more serious side effects such as:
- Serotonin syndrome
- Suicidal tendencies
- Allergic reactions
- Bleeding disorders
It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of using Celexa with your healthcare provider before starting this medication. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if Celexa is the right choice for you based on your individual needs and medical history.
What to do if depression is not getting better Celexa?
If the depression is not getting better after taking Celexa, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider and discuss your condition. Do not stop taking Celexa without the recommendation of your healthcare provider.
Your healthcare provider may adjust your dosage within the recommended range. Sometimes, increasing the dosage may be more effective. In some cases, your healthcare provider may also prescribe another antidepressant drug alongside Celexa to achieve better results.
It’s imperative that you keep in mind that Celexa and other antidepressant medications take several weeks to show their effects. This means that you shouldn’t expect immediate results.
However, an adjustment period before seeing improvements is common. Therefore, it is essential to continue taking the medication as directed by your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the role of Celexa in treating depression, the potential benefits and risks associated with its use, and what you should do if your depression is not getting better with Celexa.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Parker NG, Brown CS. Citalopram in the treatment of depression. Ann Pharmacother. 2000 Jun;34(6):761-71. doi: 10.1345/aph.19137. PMID: 10860138. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10860138/
2.-
Keller MB. Citalopram therapy for depression: a review of 10 years of European experience and data from U.S. clinical trials. J Clin Psychiatry. 2000 Dec;61(12):896-908. PMID: 11206593. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11206593/
3.-
Bezchlibnyk-Butler K, Aleksic I, Kennedy SH. Citalopram–a review of pharmacological and clinical effects. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2000 May;25(3):241-54. PMID: 10863884; PMCID: PMC1407724. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10863884/
4.-
Feighner JP, Overø K. Multicenter, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose study of citalopram in moderate-to-severe depression. J Clin Psychiatry. 1999 Dec;60(12):824-30. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v60n1204. PMID: 10665628. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10665628/
5.-
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-revised-recommendations-celexa-citalopram-hydrobromide-related
6.-
Muldoon C. The safety and tolerability of citalopram. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 1996 Mar;11 Suppl 1:35-40. doi: 10.1097/00004850-199603001-00007. Erratum in: Int Clin Psychopharmacol 1996 Jun;11(2):153. PMID: 8732443. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8732443/
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