Does Celexa help with rumination? (+3 treatment options)
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 whether Celexa helps with the treatment of rumination or not, what is rumination, how Celexa helps with rumination, what research says about it, signs and symptoms of rumination, and what should be the alternative treatment options for rumination.
Does Celexa help with rumination?
Yes, Celexa can help with rumination, especially when your rumination is a symptom of depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. However, Celexa is not specifically indicated for the treatment of rumination associated with psychotic conditions.
Celexa is the brand name of Citalopram which is an antidepressant. Celexa belongs to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It is mainly prescribed to treat anxiety and depression in patients but it also has some indirect effects in treating rumination in patients.
Rumination is a cognitive and emotional process characterized by individuals repetitively and passively focusing on their distress, often by dwelling on their negative thoughts, worries or past events.
It is associated with persistent and unproductive thinking that can be a result of depression, anxiety or some other psychological disorder (1).
Rumination can be due to the dysregulation of neurotransmitters in the brain as serotonin. The dysregulation affects moods and thoughts and leads to rumination (2).
How does Celexa help with rumination?
Celexa (Citalopram) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Celexa is used to treat depression and anxiety. It is widely known that rumination is associated with depression and anxiety (3).
Celexa (Citalopram) increases the level of serotonin in the brain cells by inhibiting or preventing its reabsorption or reuptake.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for various physiological operations in the body. Serotonin manages and regulates them. The processes also include the regulation of moods and emotions (4).
The increased levels of serotonin in brain cells can cause the patient to have a pleasant feeling and to cope with conditions like depression and rumination (5).
Research studies on the effectiveness of Celexa in treating rumination
Research regarding the effectiveness of Celexa (Citalopram) in treating rumination is relatively limited. Treatment of rumination can be considered as a part of the broader side effects of Celexa. When Celexa treats depression and anxiety, it often leads to a decrease in rumination. However, this is a secondary effect (6).
In a scientific study conducted in 2011, researchers found that people with rumination who were not getting better with the antidepressants showed significant improvement when a rumination-focused cognitive behavioural therapy was coupled with the treatment (7).
A study conducted in 2012 showed that patients with rumination got better with the treatment of antidepressants as both are associated with insufficient working of serotonin in the brain cells (8).
What are the signs and symptoms of rumination?
Rumination is a significant component of depression and it can exacerbate the condition if not treated in time. The diagnosis is the most important step for the treatment. The signs and symptoms of rumination are:
- Feelings of sadness
- Excessive talking on a distressing topic
- Emotional numbness
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- loss of interest
- Decreased energy and motivation
- Changes in appetite
- Suicidal thoughts
If you observe these signs and symptoms, consult a healthcare provider immediately.
Alternative treatment options for rumination
Some alternative treatment options for rumination in case Celexa does not work include:
Pharmacological approach
Rumination can be treated by other Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). The drugs that can be used to treat rumination include:
- Fluoxetine
- Paroxetine
- Escitalopram
- Sertraline
Other than SSRIs, another class of antidepressants can also be used including SNRIs or selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
Anti-anxiety drugs such as Alprazolam and Lorazepam can be used to treat anxiety and rumination. However, these drugs are to be used for the short term only as these may cause dependence in patients.
Tricyclic Antidepressants such as Clomipramine can also be used to treat rumination in patients.
Some other mood stabilizers such as lithium, lamotrigine and Valproate can also be used to treat rumination.
Cognitive therapies
Other than drug treatments, cognitive therapies also play an important role in the treatment of rumination. A couple therapy of antidepressants along with cognitive therapies show better treatment options as shown in scientific studies (9).
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment. Rumination-focused CBT has shown promising results in reducing the symptoms and severity of rumination (10).
Conclusion
This article explains the role of Celexa in treating rumination. The effect of Celexa on rumination is secondary mainly due to a broader list of side effects. However, Rumination cannot be treated completely by the use of medications. It needs behavioural motivation and cognitive therapies as well.
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References
1.-
Roberts, H., Jacobs, R. H., Bessette, K. L., Crowell, S. E., Westlund-Schreiner, M., Thomas, L., Easter, R., Pocius, S., Dillahunt, A., Frandsen, S., Schubert, B., Farstead, B., Kerig, P. K., Welsh, R. C., Jago, D., Langenecker, S. A., & Watkins, E. (2021, April 23). Mechanisms of rumination change in adolescent depression (RuMeChange): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of rumination-focused cognitive behavioural therapy to reduce ruminative habit and risk of depressive relapse in high-ruminating adolescents. BMC Psychiatry; BioMed Central. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03193-3R
2.-
Hsu TY, Liu TL, Cheng PZ, Lee HC, Lane TJ, Duncan NW. Depressive rumination is correlated with brain responses during self-related processing. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2021 Sep;46(5):E518-E527. doi: 10.1503/jpn.210052. Epub 2021 Sep 1. PMID: 34548386; PMCID: PMC8526127.
3.-
Nolen-Hoeksema S, Morrow J. A prospective study of depression and posttraumatic stress symptoms after a natural disaster: the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. J Pers Soc Psychol. 1991;61:115–21. https://doi.org/10.1037//0022-3514.61.1.115
4.-
Sharbaf Shoar N, Fariba KA, Padhy RK. Citalopram. 2021 Dec 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29489221. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29489221/
5.-
Kelly O, Matheson K, Ravindran A, Merali Z, Anisman H. Ruminative coping among patients with dysthymia before and after pharmacotherapy. Depress Anxiety 2007; 24(4): 233–43. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] [Ref list]
6.-
R., Michael, Bagby., Neil, A., Rector., Zindel, V., Segal., Russell, T., Joffe., Anthony, J., Levitt., Sidney, H., Kennedy., Robert, D., Levitan. (1999). Rumination and distraction in major depression: assessing response to pharmacological treatment. Journal of Affective Disorders, doi: 10.1016/S0165-0327(99)00015-4
7.-
Watkins ER, Mullan E, Wingrove J, Rimes K, Steiner H, Bathurst N, et al. Rumination-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy for residual depression: phase II randomised controlled trial. Br J Psychiatry J Ment Sci. 2011;199:317–22. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.110.090282
8.-
Bieling PJ, Hawley LL, Bloch RT, Corcoran KM, Levitan RD, Young LT, et al. Treatment-specific changes in decentering following mindfulness-based cognitive therapy versus antidepressant medication or placebo for prevention of depressive relapse. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2012;80:365–72. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0027483
9.-
Kheirabadi GR, Yousefian Z, Zargar F, Bahrami M, Maracy MR. Citalopram and metacognitive therapy for depressive symptoms and cognitive emotion regulation in patients with major depressive disorder: A randomized controlled trial. J Educ Health Promot. 2020 Jan 30;9:6. doi: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_193_19. PMID: 32154301; PMCID: PMC7032026.
10.-
Laura, Barnett. (2023). How to recognize and treat rumination syndrome. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology, doi: 10.1097/mog.0000000000000937
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