Does Citalopram cause emotional side effects? (+3 steps)
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 brief article, we will discuss Citalopram-induced emotional side effects. In addition, we will discuss some ways that can help improve Citalopram’s emotional side effects.
Does Citalopram cause emotional side effects?
Yes, Citalopram can have both emotional and physical side effects. However, it is important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and their severity can vary from person to person. Additionally, some people may experience no side effects at all.
Emotional side effects such as emotional numbness, changes in libido (sex drive), increased anxiety, agitation, mood swings and suicidal thoughts can be caused.
According to research, Citalopram and other antidepressants such as dapoxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine can potentially affect a person’s mood and emotions in several ways (1).
How common are emotional side effects with Citalopram?
Many researches found that antidepressants including Citalopram are associated with emotional side effects. One of the researches conducted on 669 adults who took antidepressants for three months to manage depression.
The study showed that the prevalence of emotional symptoms was higher in people who responded to antidepressants and continued using these medications for long-term treatment. There were 46% of the individuals experienced emotional symptoms, among these individuals, 52 were on Citalopram (2).
The exact cause of emotional side effects in antidepressant treatment is a challenging issue, with some experts even questioning whether emotional blunting is a side effect of antidepressants or possibly a partial failure of the medication itself.
The disruption in the balance of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine is considered a potential trigger for these effects, especially in individuals with underlying hormonal deficiencies. However, definitive conclusions to this complex issue require further research and investigation.
Common and rare emotional side effects of Citalopram
Citalopram, like many medications, can lead to a range of emotional side effects, which can vary from person to person. Here, we will explore both common and less common emotional side effects of citalopram:
Common emotional side effects:
- Emotional numbness: a reduced ability to feel strong emotions, both positive and negative.
- Changes in libido: changes in sex drive including difficulty in erection, delayed ejaculation or difficulty in reaching orgasm.
- Increased anxiety or agitation.
Less common emotional side effects:
- Mood swings or emotional changes including feelings of irritability, sadness or unexpected euphoria.
- Suicidal thoughts: it is essential to monitor for this potentially severe side effect, particularly in young adults.
- Depersonalization: characterised by feeling detached from oneself or one’s emotions.
- Apathy: this can manifest as a reduced interest in activities and emotions (3).
It is important to note that the severity of these emotional side effects can vary widely.
Taking steps to improve emotional well-being while on Citalopram
Some steps can be taken to improve emotional well-being while on Citalopram. These include:
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Incorporating regular exercise can stimulate the release of serotonin and improve mood. Additionally, making dietary improvements and avoiding alcohol, which can depress mood, can be beneficial.
- Inquire about medication adjustments: If you are experiencing emotional blunting, your healthcare provider may consider reducing your medication dosage or transitioning you to a different antidepressant. They might also explore the possibility of adding other medications to counteract emotional side effects.
- Collaborate with your therapist to explore methods for enhancing your mood: Your condition may have both psychological and pharmaceutical aspects, so working with a therapist can help address these aspects effectively.
If you discover that emotional side effects are too distressing for you, it is crucial to avoid discontinuing your treatment without first consulting your physician.
Taking this step without professional guidance may result in a return of depressive symptoms or potentially induce adverse effects, including anxiety, restlessness and sleep disturbances.
Conclusion
In this article, we acknowledged the potential emotional side effects associated with taking Citalopram and discussed what they entail. However, it is important to recognise that Citalopram can be a valuable drug in managing certain mental health conditions.
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References
1.-
Opbroek A, Delgado PL, Laukes C, McGahuey C, Katsanis J, Moreno FA, Manber R. Emotional blunting associated with SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. Do SSRIs inhibit emotional responses? Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2002 Jun;5(2):147-51. doi: 10.1017/S1461145702002870. PMID: 12135539. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12135539/
2.-
Goodwin GM, Price J, De Bodinat C, Laredo J. Emotional blunting with antidepressant treatments: A survey among depressed patients. J Affect Disord. 2017 Oct 15;221:31-35. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.05.048. Epub 2017 Jun 6. PMID: 28628765. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28628765/
3.-
Marazziti D, Mucci F, Tripodi B, Carbone MG, Muscarella A, Falaschi V, Baroni S. Emotional Blunting, Cognitive Impairment, Bone Fractures, and Bleeding as Possible Side Effects of Long-Term Use of SSRIs. Clin Neuropsychiatry. 2019 Apr;16(2):75-85. PMID: 34908941; PMCID: PMC8650205. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8650205/
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