Does Citalopram cause insomnia? (3+ strategies)
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 discuss whether Citalopram causes insomnia. We will also discuss other potential sleep problems with this medication and common treatment strategies to help counteract them.
Does Citalopram cause insomnia?
Yes, Citalopram can cause insomnia during the early course of your treatment. This is, in fact, one of the most common side effects of this medication.
Citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is an antidepressant used for treating mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety (1).
Insomnia is usually experienced during the early course of treatment with Citalopram and it begins to subside when your body adjusts to it.
This is because antidepressants alter the number of active chemicals in your brain and your body does not get used to it right away. It can take 4-6 weeks before you begin to see a noticeable difference in your depression symptoms.
So if you are feeling sleep disturbances during the first few weeks of your therapy with Citalopram, don’t worry!
Some people may experience sedation after taking Citalopram. This is because every individual has a unique genetic makeup and responds differently to medications.
What does research suggest?
There is limited research indicating Citalopram-induced sleep disturbances. However, SSRIs in general can cause sleep disturbances, which are relatively more common in people who are new to Citalopram or antidepressants in general.
It is important to note that Citalopram, being an antidepressant, can also help people with sleep disturbances.
One study indicated that antidepressants can improve sleep in the long term by enhancing mood and daytime activity. In the short term, some antidepressants may disrupt sleep due to activation, while others may help due to sedation (2).
How does Citalopram cause insomnia?
Citalopram causes sleep disturbances because it affects your sleep architecture due to its mechanism of action. Citalopram increases the amount of active serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is an excitatory neurotransmitter that elevates mood and energy.
The deficiency of serotonin leads to depression. When you start taking Citalopram, your serotonin levels start to go high, your body may become alert and the process of sleep may become disturbed as your brain continues to work over time.
This is expected to happen in individuals who are new to Citalopram or antidepressants in general. However, once your body is adjusted to this change, your sleep cycle gets back to normal.
What to do if Celexa causes sleep disturbances?
If you are experiencing sleep disturbances due to Citalopram, then reach out to your healthcare provider.
In the initial phase of the treatment with Citalopram, sleep disturbances can occur but it starts to get better within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication and the way it makes you feel.
However, if you continue to feel this way after weeks and weeks of your treatment, you should report it to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may advise you to change the time at which you take Citalopram, as it can help some patients.
If that does not help, your doctor may reduce the dose, if possible. Dose reduction can help a few people, especially those who are sensitive to Citalopram.
If you are already on a low dose and Citalopram continues to cause unbearable sleep issues, especially at night, your doctor may switch to another antidepressant. Always consult your doctor first before making any changes to your medication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Citalopram can have varying effects on sleep patterns in individuals. While some may experience insomnia or awakeness at night as a side effect, others may not.
If you are concerned about changes in your sleep while taking Citalopram, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for guidance and potential adjustments to your treatment plan.
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