Does Citalopram affect driving? (3+ management)
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 the influence of Citalopram on driving and offer insights on how individuals who are on this medication can ensure their safety on the road.
Does Citalopram affect driving?
Yes, Citalopram (Celexa) can affect driving. Frequently, the impact of Citalopram on driving arises from side effects linked to this medication, such as drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from driving until you are sure of how this medication affects you (1,2).
Although the impact of Citalopram on driving is considered a precaution associated with this medication, it can vary from person to person. For most individuals, Citalopram does not significantly impair their driving abilities.
If you are new to this medication, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects of Citalopram and how they can affect an individual’s quality of life.
How does Citalopram affect driving?
Citalopram can potentially impact an individual’s ability to drive due to side effects that can result in altered mental alertness and psychomotor impairment (1). These factors collectively influence a person’s capacity to drive safely.
Citalopram is a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant that works by altering serotonin levels in the brain. It exerts its effects on the central nervous system (CNS) and brain chemistry, resulting in side effects such as fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, and sedation, all of which contribute to impaired driving (1,2,3).
Initially, it is advisable to wait for Citalopram to take effect and observe how your body responds to the medication. If it induces the aforementioned side effects, it is best to refrain from driving.
It is important to note that many individuals adapt to these side effects over time, making it easier for them to drive safely. Additionally, individuals who have been on this medication before normally have an understanding of how it affects them and if it does not impede their driving abilities, they can continue to drive.
Other side effects of Citalopram that can affect driving
Additional side effects of Citalopram that can impact an individual’s driving abilities include:
- Restless leg syndrome – While uncommon, Citalopram may also cause restless leg syndrome in some individuals, leading to involuntary movements of the lower extremities that can affect one’s driving ability (4).
- Citalopram may also induce headaches, euphoria and dissociation, which may impair an individual’s capacity to concentrate on their surroundings, posing a danger while driving (1,2,3,5).
Management of driving impairment caused by Citalopram
While taking this medication it is crucial to maintain open and frequent consultations with your prescribing healthcare provider. If you experience difficulty driving while taking this medication, you should immediately report this to your healthcare provider.
Your healthcare provider will assess your side-effect profile and offer guidance on how to address your impaired ability to drive. They may also adjust your medication’s dosage to reduce the intensity of drowsiness or dizziness and assist your body in adjusting to this medication.
Furthermore, your doctor may recommend transitioning to alternative antidepressants,such as Bupropion or Venlafaxine, which can enhance your mood and energy, potentially reducing fatigue and drowsiness and lowering the risk of impaired driving.
Recommendations for driving on Citalopram
While on Citalopram, it is important to abstain from alcohol and substance abuse. Concurrent use can intensify the drowsiness and sedation caused by Citalopram, increasing the risk of road accidents.
If you experience sedation or drowsiness after taking Citalopram, it is advisable to seek an alternative mode of transportation, like using public transit or walking, to prioritize road safety.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the potential side effects of Citalopram that can impair driving in certain individuals. We have also explored some management strategies that would avoid road accidents while taking Citalopram.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
2.-
3.-
4.-
5.-
Find a supportive therapist who can help with Depression.
Discover the convenience of BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connecting you with licensed and accredited therapists specialized in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Complete the assessment and find your ideal therapist within just 48 hours.
AskYourPharm is user-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site
