Does Citalopram affect serotonin levels? (7 precautions)

By Ivan Kahwa
Page last updated: 02/01/2024 | Next review date: 02/01/2026
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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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In this article, we will discuss whether Citalopram affects serotonin levels, how Citalopram works, what benefits and side effects are linked with it, and what precautions should be taken while using Citalopram. 

Does Citalopram affect serotonin levels?

Yes, Citalopram does affect serotonin levels in the brain. Citalopram (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-SSRI) is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that is safe and well-tolerated by most patients.

Citalopram affects serotonin, a brain chemical responsible for regulating symptoms associated with stress, anxiety, and depression. 

How does Citalopram affect serotonin levels?

Being an SSRI, Citalopram works by inhibiting the reabsorption of serotonin into brain cells, thereby increasing serotonin levels. Increased serotonin levels help alleviate the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression (1). Citalopram does not affect other neurotransmitters like dopamine and noradrenaline (2,3).  

What is the role of serotonin in the body?

Serotonin is a chemical substance in the brain that acts as a messenger, sending commands to other body parts. Serotonin affects mood, appetite, stress response, sleep, and memory.

It also has a major impact on certain medical conditions like anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (4). 

What does research suggest?

A clinical trial conducted in 2005, examined Citalopram and serotonin levels in the blood of depressed patients during both short-term and long-term use. Blood samples were checked before and after taking the medication, and the highest levels of serotonin were found after long-term use of Citalopram (5).

Another research study suggested that Citalopram works well for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by increasing serotonin levels and improving the symptoms of this condition (6).

One more study examined patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while using Citalopram for 8 weeks. They started with a low dose and gradually increased it. Citalopram works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps improve the symptoms of PTSD (7). 

There are several studies which support the activity of Citalopram in affecting serotonin levels in the blood. 

What are the benefits of using Citalopram for serotonin-related disorders?

Citalopram is beneficial for use in serotonin-related disorders as most patients tolerate this medicine well. Additionally, Citalopram does not cause adverse effects related to the cardiovascular system like other SSRIs. 

Citalopram is an FDA-approved antidepressant; however, it may also be used to treat conditions like anxiety, stress, panic disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) due to its mechanism of action (1).

What side effects can be experienced while taking Citalopram?

Citalopram is a well-tolerated antidepressant; however, some individuals may experience side effects. 

Common side effects

Some common side effects of Citalopram may include:

It is important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects while using Citalopram. If any side effects become bothersome, please consult your healthcare professional. 

Rare side effects

Citalopram may also cause some serious and rare side effects in a few patients. If any of these occur, you should immediately seek medical help. 

  • Breathing or swallowing problems
  • Unconsciousness
  • Irregular heartbeats
  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Tremors
  • Concentration problems

What precautions should be taken while using Citalopram? 

You must take the following precautions when using Citalopram for serotonin-related disorders:

  • Citalopram is quite similar to another SSRI, Escitalopram; do not confuse or mix these medicines.
  • You should inform your doctor if you are allergic to Citalopram.
  • Citalopram should not be used alongside monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), as it may lead to serotonin syndrome. 
  • You should also inform your doctor if you are taking Thioridazine, Urokinase, Pimozide, Methylene blue, Linezolid, or Dapoxetine.
  • Avoid driving, as Citalopram may cause drowsiness. 
  • Potassium and sodium levels should be monitored while using Citalopram. 
  • ECG is necessary for patients who have cardiovascular disorders (1). 

Conclusion

Citalopram is an antidepressant that affects serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Citalopram blocks the reabsorption of serotonin by the receptors, thereby increasing its levels in the brain.

Increased serotonin levels help reduce the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, Citalopram affects serotonin levels and is used to treat various serotonin-related disorders. 

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References

1.-

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/ 

2.-

Luo H, Richardson JS. A pharmacological comparison of citalopram, a bicyclic serotonin selective uptake inhibitor, with traditional tricyclic antidepressants. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 1993 Spring;8(1):3-12. doi: 10.1097/00004850-199300810-00001. PMID: 8473718. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8473718/ 

3.-

Hyttel J. Citalopram–pharmacological profile of a specific serotonin uptake inhibitor with antidepressant activity. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 1982;6(3):277-95. doi: 10.1016/s0278-5846(82)80179-6. PMID: 6128769. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6128769/ 

4.-

Bamalan OA, Moore MJ, Al Khalili Y. Physiology, Serotonin. 2023 Jul 30. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31424752. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31424752/ 

5.-

Blardi P, de Lalla A, Urso R, Auteri A, Dell’Erba A, Bossini L, Castrogiovanni P. Activity of citalopram on adenosine and serotonin circulating levels in depressed patients. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2005 Jun;25(3):262-6. doi: 10.1097/01.jcp.0000161500.58266.90. PMID: 15876907. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15876907/ 

6.-

Blier P, El Mansari M. The importance of serotonin and noradrenaline in anxiety. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract. 2007;11 Suppl 2:16-23. doi: 10.1080/13651500701388310. PMID: 24926868. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24926868/ 

7.-

Seedat S, Stein DJ, Emsley RA. Open trial of citalopram in adults with post-traumatic stress disorder. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2000 Jun;3(2):135-140. doi: 10.1017/S1461145700001899. PMID: 11343590. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11343590/ 

8.-

MedlinePlus[Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US);2023. Citalopram; [updated 2022 Jan 15; cited 2023 JUL 10]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699001.html

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