Does Citalopram help regulate emotions? (+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 this article, we will explore the beneficial effects of Citalopram on an individual’s emotional well-being. Additionally, we will discuss emotional disorders managed by Citalopram, potential factors influencing its effects on emotional regulation and supplementary strategies for enhancing mental and emotional health.
Does Citalopram help regulate emotions?
Yes, Citalopram can effectively regulate and stabilise emotions. As an antidepressant, its primary purpose is to address mood disorders like depression and anxiety, which can significantly influence an individual’s emotional well-being (1).
Citalopram, also known as Celexa, works by inhibiting the reabsorption of serotonin (a neurotransmitter) in the brain, This action elevates serotonin levels (1). Individuals experiencing mood disorders often have low serotonin levels, so antidepressant medications like Citalopram increase serotonin levels, leading to an improved mood and emotional well-being.
Emotions are fundamental to an individual’s mental health, serving as the building blocks of psychological well-being. They influence thoughts, behaviours and overall mental health.
Research has demonstrated that by managing mood disorders, Citalopram assists in managing and stabilizing emotions.
What does research suggest?
Numerous research studies have demonstrated that antidepressant medications, such as Citalopram, are associated with the improvement of emotional well-being.
One of these studies, which examined Citalopram’s impact on emotion processing, suggested that this medication effectively regulates human emotion processing in the amygdala by interacting with 5HT1A receptors (2).
Another study, which investigated the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) on perception and memory, indicated that these antidepressants help people with depression by enhancing positive memories and preventing rumination.
The study suggested that this mechanism plays a significant role in managing mood disorders like depression and anxiety (4).
How does Citalopram help with emotions?
The role of Citalopram in emotional regulation includes the following:
- Depression management – Citalopram achieves mood stabilization by elevating serotonin levels, which, in turn, diminishes feelings of sadness and alleviates other depressive symptoms. This contributes to the promotion of positive emotions and overall emotional well-being.
- Anxiety reduction – Citalopram promotes a sense of calm and reduces feelings of restlessness and unease, thereby enhancing emotional regulation and reducing anxiety.
- Emotional resilience – Individuals using this medication often find themselves better equipped to handle life’s challenges and lead a more stable and positive emotional state.
However, it is important to note that Citalopram can also be linked to emotional side effects such as increased agitation and emotional numbness, experienced by some individuals.
What are the potential factors influencing Citalopram’s effects on emotions?
Several factors may influence Citalopram’s effects on emotions. It is important to understand that individual responses to these medications can vary due to these factors:
- Medication dosage – A higher or lower dose may lead to different emotional responses.
- Duration of use – The length of time an individual has been taking this medication can affect its efficacy.
- Individual brain chemistry – Variations in neurotransmitter levels and receptors can influence how an individual responds to this medication.
- Underlying conditions – Pre-existing conditions, such as mental health disorders, may influence how Citalopram affects emotions.
- Compliance – Adherence to the prescribed treatment plan is important for stabilizing emotions.
- Psychological and environmental factors – An individual’s environment can influence how they perceive the effects of this medication on their emotions.
Supplementary steps to improving emotional well-being while on Citalopram
Other supplementary steps that you can take to improve emotional well-being while using Citalopram include:
- Lifestyle changes: Incorporating a healthy diet and regular exercise can be beneficial in improving an individual’s mood by stimulating the release of serotonin and endorphins.
- Collaborating with your healthcare provider – By participating in cognitive behavioural therapy alongside Citalopram, you can achieve better emotional regulation and well-being.
- Medication optimization – You should work with your healthcare provider to enhance your treatment plan by optimizing your medication dosage and treatment plan.
Conclusion
In this article, we have delved into the beneficial effects of Citalopram on an individual’s emotional well-being. It is important to recognise that Citalopram is a valuable drug in promoting mental and emotional wellness.
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