Does Cipralex Affect Memory? (+3 Studies)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 02/01/2024 | Next review date: 02/01/2026

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

Ivan Kahwa

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This article answers the question, “Does Cipralex affect memory?” We will investigate scientific evidence and provide some beneficial tips.

Does Cipralex affect memory?

Cipralex (Escitalopram), typically does not have a negative impact on memory. In fact, many people report positive effects on memory while taking it.

While some antidepressants, like SSRIs, can have memory-related side effects or contribute to cognitive issues, substantial evidence suggests that escitalopram may be an exception.

Individual responses, however, may differ. While taking Cipralex, you may experience mental confusion and memory problems, but the likelihood of experiencing positive memory effects appears to be higher.

What does research suggest?

Research on the effects of escitalopram, commonly known as Cipralex, on memory, reveals a range of insights from multiple studies.

In one study involving healthy adults, sub-acute administration of escitalopram did not appear to have a significant impact on cognitive function during a working memory task, suggesting that its influence on memory in this population is limited. (1)

Research showed a more favourable outcome when focusing on stroke patients. Escitalopram was found to have a beneficial effect on both immediate and delayed memory. (2)

A similar trend emerged in studies involving elderly depressed patients, where escitalopram treatment significantly improved affective and cognitive symptoms, particularly enhancing memory for negative facial stimuli. (3)

Further investigations included individuals with major depressive disorder, and the results demonstrated that both escitalopram and bupropion XL were associated with memory improvement and improved psychosocial function in these patients. (4)

These findings indicate that escitalopram has a neutral effect on working memory in healthy adults. Moreover, they emphasise its potential for memory enhancement, particularly in stroke patients and the elderly.

What to do if Cipralex affects memory negatively?

Although the incidence of memory-related side effects with escitalopram is generally low, the concern is justified because other SSRIs, such as sertraline and Celexa, have been linked to memory problems. (5)

So if you are experiencing memory-related issues while on escitalopram, the first step should be to discuss these concerns with your doctor.

Your doctor can assess the situation and explore potential solutions, including dosage adjustments or switching to an alternative medication.

Keep track of your symptoms by maintaining a journal. This will help you identify patterns and give your healthcare provider essential insights into your experience.

Lifestyle changes to support memory

Lifestyle changes can also help you in supporting memory, such as

Good sleep hygiene is beneficial for memory and cognitive function. Ensure you are getting sufficient sleep each night and create a conducive sleep environment.
Regular physical activity improves cognitive function and memory. Engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.
A nutritious diet that is rich in fruits, nuts, vegetables, and whole grains can support cognitive health and memory.
Dehydration can negatively impact cognitive function and memory. Maintain good hydration by drinking an ample amount of water each day.
Stress can contribute to memory issues. Implement relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga to mitigate its impact.

Points to remember while taking Cipralex

Take Cipralex at the same time daily for consistency.
Be patient; it may take 4-6 weeks for improvements to show.
Don’t abruptly stop your dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Start with a low dose and increase it gradually under your doctor’s guidance.
If Cipralex causes sleep issues, take it in the morning.
Never adjust the dose on your own; consult your doctor.
Take Cipralex with or without food as advised by your doctor.
Share all medications and supplements in your current use with your doctor to avoid potential interactions.
Avoid alcohol while on Cipralex, as it can amplify side effects.

Conclusion

In summary, Cipralex has been linked to a minimal effect on memory and, in many cases, memory enhancement. While the likelihood of cognitive challenges is generally low, it is important to recognise that individual responses can vary. As a result, open communication with a healthcare provider is also essential.