Does Citalopram affect the ability to exercise? (+3 factors)
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 the given article, we will discuss the effects of Celexa on exercise and physical mobility. We will further look at the factors that impact the physical performance of individuals.
Does Citalopram affect the ability to exercise?
No, Citalopram does not affect the ability to exercise. Citalopram and other antidepressants synergize together in treating major depressive disorders.
However, it is stated that Citalopram may affect physical mobility due to its effect on mood changes and energy levels. This effect of Citalopram depends on the individual patient’s variation and response to the medication.
What does research suggest?
According to research studies, chronic stress serves as a risk factor for the development of major depressive disorder for which Citalopram and other antidepressants are commonly prescribed (1).
The impairment of neurotrophins such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and transforming growth factor-B1 (TNF-B1) contribute to stress-induced depression in some patients (1).
Research states that aerobic exercises strongly increase hippocampal BDNF production and it plays an important role as a non-pharmacological strategy in improving and treating the symptoms of major depressive disorder (1,2).
However, physical activity and exercise along with Citalopram can exert synergistic effects in improving the depressive conditions of some patients. This collective effect increases the neurotrophins in the brain, thus relieving stress and depression (1,2).
Several research studies have supported that aerobic exercise in depressed patients can play an important role as an alternative to pharmacological treatment. Many beneficial effects of physical activity and exercise have been reported in depressive patients (1).
Factors that may affect exercising while taking Citalopram
Some factors that may affect exercising while taking Citalopram include (2,3):
Energy levels and additive side effects
While taking Citalopram, symptoms of depression and anxiety are alleviated which also impacts the mood, energy, and motivation of patients. These factors may affect the potential of patients to do physical activities and exercise.
Additive side effects due to Citalopram may also affect a patient’s ability to exercise. Muscle spasms, tremors, acid reflux, or palpitations caused rarely by Citalopram may alter physical performance and mobility in some patients.
Some patients may experience elevated energy levels while some may face severe lethargy, fatigue, and drowsiness. However, Citalopram can be replaced with some other antidepressants that are associated with improving the mood and motivation of patients (2).
Individual patients may react veryingly to the medication. Some may have a profound effect of Citalopram on their physical activity while others might not even be bothered by taking Citalopram.
Weight variation and underlying health conditions
Citalopram and other SSRIs are associated with inducing weight changes in patients. Variation in the weights of the patients can alter their ability to perform physical activities and exercise.
Citalopram may also affect your physical mobility if you have some underlying conditions that affect this drug. If you are taking other medications that affect the metabolism of Citalopram then you might also suffer serious consequences and lack of mobility.
How to manage the effects of Citalopram on exercise?
As mentioned earlier, Citalopram does not affect exercise or physical mobility in patients. However, the medication effects may vary in patients and impact each patient differently. If you are having difficulty in exercising or doing movement, then you need to seek medical help.
Citalopram and other SSRIs may induce excessive fatigue, drowsiness, and sleepiness in some individuals which may make it difficult to work out. If you have these side effects then consult your doctor and seek medical advice.
Citalopram may induce dose-dependent side effects which vary in patients and also result in loss of motivation to exercise regularly. However, you should follow a regular exercise schedule followed by a healthy diet.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the impact of Citalopram on exercise. We have discovered that Citalopram along with physical exercise can help in treating depression.
Citalopram and exercise collectively serve to alleviate depressive episodes and exert synergistic effects in its improvement. It has been extensively studied that antidepressants show distinct improvements when combined with physical exercise.
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References
1.-
Guerrera CS, Furneri G, Grasso M, Caruso G, Castellano S, Drago F, Di Nuovo S, Caraci F. Antidepressant Drugs and Physical Activity: A Possible Synergism in the Treatment of Major Depression? Front Psychol. 2020 May 6;11:857. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00857. PMID: 32435223; PMCID: PMC7218094. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7218094/
2.-
Arunrut T, Alejandre H, Chen M, Cha J, Russo-Neustadt A. Differential behavioral and neurochemical effects of exercise, reboxetine and citalopram with the forced swim test. Life Sci. 2009 Apr 24;84(17-18):584-9. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2009.02.005. Epub 2009 Feb 12. PMID: 19302801; PMCID: PMC2668951.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2668951/
3.-
Sharbaf Shoar N, Fariba KA, Padhy RK. Citalopram. [Updated 2021 Dec 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482222/
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