Does Citalopram put you to sleep? (+3 facts)
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 the correlation of Citalopram with sleepiness. We will understand the mechanism of action of Citalopram and its effects on inducing sleepiness. Furthermore, we will look at the factors that induce sleep while being on Citalopram.
Does Citalopram put you to sleep?
Yes, Citalopram may put you to sleep but it is not a sedative antidepressant. Citalopram is commonly associated with early sleep disturbances which may include sleepiness and insomnia. The sleep disturbance caused by Citalopram depends upon the medication dose, frequency, and individual patient variation.
Not all patients experience sleepiness while being on Citalopram but few may experience it to a greater extent. However, if you feel excessive sleepiness while being on Citalopram, you should seek medical help.
What does research suggest?
According to research, it is stated that Citalopram is associated with daytime sleepiness and sedation in some individuals. Citalopram is also associated with improving sleep quality in depressed patients (1).
Upon conducting research with Citalopram on sleep quality, it has been observed that Citalopram efficiently improved latency, quality, and duration of sleep. Some cases also resulted in improved daytime dysfunction (1).
In addition, it was observed that Citalopram significantly improved sleep quality, efficiency, and duration from week 0 to week 4. Whereas, sleep efficiency was additionally improved during weeks 8 to 12 of Citalopram administration (1).
Anxiety and comorbid depression are usually accompanied by sleep disruption. About 90% of depressed patients complain about sleep disturbances. Studies suggest that chronically disrupted sleep induces changes in the brain similar to that of depressed patients (2)
However, the role of SSRIs is controversial in the treatment of insomnia or sleep distress. It is suggested that initially, SSRIs have a poorer effect on sleep quality in depression and anxiety patients but results are improved after some weeks of treatment (1,2).
How does Citalopram affect sleep patterns?
Citalopram affects the sleep patterns in depressed patients through its mechanism of action. Citalopram is an SSRI antidepressant that helps in alleviating stress, anxiety, and depression in patients (3).
Citalopram is not particularly used as a sleep aid but it can induce sleepiness and sedation in some individuals. Citalopram treats depression and anxiety by inhibiting serotonin reuptake thus, altering serotonin levels in the brain (3).
It has been studied that Citalopram results in a decrease in the proportion of rapid eye movement sleep while an increase in the non-rapid eye movement sleep in depressed patients (1).
Factors that affect sleep-inducing properties of Citalopram
Citalopram is commonly associated with sleep disturbances such as insomnia and sleeplessness. However, certain factors may induce sleepiness and sedation during the initial course of treatment with Citalopram.
Some patients taking Citalopram may experience increased sleepiness on higher doses. Citalopram-induced sleepiness varies significantly in patients based on individual variations. Some patients may show more sensitivity to sedation and sleepy effects with Citalopram while others may not show profound sleepiness (3).
The timing of Citalopram also plays an important role in inducing sleep disturbances. Some patients might prefer taking Citalopram in the evening while some prefer it in the morning based on the sleep-related side effect.
Patients who suffer from sleepiness while taking Citalopram, prefer it at night time. Whereas the patients who suffer from insomnia prefer taking Citalopram during the daytime. However, you should always take Citalopram at the time prescribed by your doctor (3).
How to manage sleep disturbances related to Citalopram?
In order to manage the sleep disturbances associated with Citalopram, you should carefully monitor your symptoms and side effects of Citalopram on your daily productivity and mental alertness.
If you face excessive sleepiness or insomnia while being on Citalopram, you should contact your doctor for dose tampering, medication change, or change in the timing of Citalopram as it has a huge impact on sleep disturbances.
Citalopram may interact with other medications or underlying conditions which may impact sleep. Therefore, in case of any sleep-related side effects associated with Citalopram, you should seek medical help.
Conclusion
In the above article, we have discussed the effect of Citalopram on sleepiness. We have discussed how Citalopram plays its role in inducing sleep in certain patients. We have discussed some factors that impact sleep-related factors while taking Citalopram.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Wu J, Chang F, Zu H. Efficacy and safety evaluation of citalopram and doxepin on sleep quality in comorbid insomnia and anxiety disorders. Exp Ther Med. 2015 Oct;10(4):1303-1308. doi: 10.3892/etm.2015.2686. Epub 2015 Aug 17. PMID: 26622482; PMCID: PMC4578014. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4578014/
2.-
Misrani, A., Tabassum, S., Chen, X., Tan, S., Wang, J., Yang, L., & Long, C. (2019). Differential effects of citalopram on sleep-deprivation-induced depressive-like behavior and memory impairments in mice. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 88, 102–111. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.07.013 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278584617310072
3.-
AHFS Patient Medication Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc.; c2019. Citalopram; [updated 2020 Jun 24; reviewed 2018 Jul 5; cited 2020 Jul 1]; [about 5 p.]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699001.html
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