Does citalopram give you more energy? (3+ tips)
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 gives you energy or not, what does research suggest? , what to do if citalopram doesn’t increase your energy level, and self-care techniques to boost your energy levels.
Does citalopram give you more energy?
Citalopram may give you energy and improve your mood and well-being. However, it depends on your response to this medication, if you respond well to citalopram, your mood will improve.
Citalopram is an antidepressant drug that belongs to a class of medications known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). This class helps restore serotonin to its normal concentration in the brain.
Citalopram is not an energy medication, it is an antidepressant medication like Effexor that treats depression and helps make you feel more motivated. The onset of action of citalopram begins in 1 to 2 weeks and can take up to 6 weeks to make you feel good. (1)
By restoring the concentration of Serotonin in the brain, your energy and motivation can be improved. It is important to note that citalopram may not improve energy levels in some individuals, it varies from person to person, as the primary function of citalopram is to treat depression and not to increase your energy levels.
What does research suggest?
Research suggests that citalopram can improve fatigue and fatigue-related symptoms such as tiredness, lack of energy, and irritation in some individuals.
The reason why citalopram can improve fatigue-related symptoms is not fully understood, maybe because of its action in restoring serotonin concentration levels in the brain, which will lead to energy elevation.
A clinical trial was conducted on patients experiencing chronic fatigue for over 6 months without being diagnosed with depression. The patients were given a placebo in the first week and then shifted to citalopram for two months. These patients were compared to other chronic fatigue-diagnosed patients on other treatments. (2)
After comparison and evaluation, The patients who were on placebo and shifted to citalopram developed an improvement in their chronic fatigue symptoms compared to the other group of patients who were treated with other medications.
This trial concluded that citalopram can improve fatigue in some individuals.
What to do if citalopram doesn’t boost your energy level?
If citalopram doesn’t boost your energy level, the first step is to contact your physician or healthcare provider. It’s important to note that citalopram can cause restlessness in the first week of treatment. (3)
Your physician or healthcare provider will evaluate your situation accordingly, they may need to adjust the medication dosage or alter the medication if symptoms persist.
Self-care techniques to boost your energy level
Here are some self-care techniques that can help in boosting your energy level:
- Meditation plays a vital role in relaxing your mind, it will help you stay calm, which will lead to boosting your energy level.
- Breathing exercises lower your blood pressure and increase the blood circulation to your vital organs such as your brain and heart, which will ultimately lead to increasing your energy level.
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet, and getting enough sleep also helps in increasing your energy.
- Talking to family and friends and writing down what bothers you will help relax your mind and thoughts and increase your energy throughout the day.
- Exercise and try to join an exercise group that relaxes the mind such as Yoga, if you don’t want to leave the house, you can prepare your room and practice online Yoga sessions, it helps in organizing your thoughts, relaxing your mind, and raising your energy level. (4)
It is important to take citalopram and follow the directions as mentioned by your physician to ensure the proper use of the drug and to get the most out of it.
Conclusion
Based on research studies, citalopram can give you energy, but it can vary in every individual. If citalopram doesn’t boost your energy level and makes you feel fatigued, consult your physician and follow self-care techniques to boost your energy level.
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References
1.-
NHS. Common questions about citalopram [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/citalopram/common-questions-about-citalopram/
2.-
Hartz, Arthur J et al. “The effectiveness of citalopram for idiopathic chronic fatigue.” The Journal of clinical psychiatry vol. 64,8 (2003): 927-35. doi:10.4088/jcp.v64n0811. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12927008/
3.-
Citalopram 10mg Tablet – Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) – (EMC) (Internet). www.medicines.org.uk. Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5152/pil#gref
4.-
Australia H. Feeling restless [Internet]. www.healthdirect.gov.au. 2021. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/feeling-restless
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