Does Sertraline improve learning? (3+ positive impacts)
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 relationship between Sertraline – a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) and learning. We will explore the effects of Sertraline on cognitive function and the benefits of Sertraline in learning.
Does Sertraline improve learning?
Yes, Sertraline (Zoloft) does improve learning in some individuals. Learning, as a multifaceted cognitive process involving the acquisition, processing, and retention of information, is positively influenced by Sertraline in most individuals (1,2).
People dealing with depression and other mental health disorders often encounter challenges in grasping concepts during the learning process, with learning difficulties often serving as early indicators of these mood disorders.
Antidepressants like Sertraline are formulated to mitigate learning difficulties by addressing the associated underlying disorders such as anxiety and depression. As a result, some individuals may notice an improvement in their learning abilities while using Sertraline.
Sertraline may take time to manage these underlying conditions and as such one’s learning abilities may take time to improve. However, it is important to note that medications can affect people differently.
What does research suggest?
Research studies have found a link between the use of Sertraline and improved learning and cognitive function. One such study on Sertraline’s effects on patients with vascular cognitive impairment revealed that Sertraline enhanced individuals’ executive control function (4). The improvement in executive control functions is closely associated with improved memory and increased flexibility in thinking, which significantly improves learning abilities.
Another study examining the effects of SSRIs on memory function in older patients indicated that SSRI antidepressants, including Sertraline, improved memory function in some individuals, a vital aspect of the learning process (5).
In a separate study exploring Sertraline’s effects on language development in young children with Fragile X syndrome (FXS), it was suggested that early Sertraline use had beneficial effects on the trajectory of language development in children with FXS disorder (6).
Furthermore, a study investigating the influence of Sertraline on attention and verbal memory in young people with anxiety disorders demonstrated Sertraline’s effectiveness in enhancing attention and verbal memory (7).
How does Sertraline improve learning?
Sertraline increases the amount of serotonin in your brain by inhibiting the reuptake of the excitatory chemical (3). This helps more serotonin receptors bind to its receptors and exert the following effects.
By alleviating anxiety and depression symptoms, Sertraline indirectly improves an individual’s concentration in learning tasks by enhancing an individual’s focus.
Additionally, Sertraline addresses depression symptoms such as hopelessness and lack of interest in some individuals, helping them to feel more motivated and boosting their learning capabilities.
Sertraline’s mood-stabilizing effects may create a more conducive emotional environment for learning and enhancing receptivity to new information through emotional regulation.
Some studies suggest that Sertraline may promote neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to adapt and form new neural connections, which may potentially enhance one’s memory and learning abilities.
However, it is important to note that Sertraline may negatively affect focus in some individuals making them zone out, especially in the early phases of treatment, and may also impair learning capabilities in some individuals.
Does Sertraline improve learning right away?
No, Sertraline does not start to improve learning right away. Sertraline may typically take 4-6 weeks to exert its effects. It may alleviate physical symptoms associated with depression and anxiety earlier, but the psychological symptoms may take some time to work.
As mentioned earlier, Sertraline is also associated with some early side effects that may negatively affect an individual’s learning processes such as apathy, demotivation, and impaired concentration. However, these side effects tend to go away as your body adjusts to the medication.
While taking this medication it is important to follow your prescriber’s instructions and to frequently consult with your healthcare provider.
Additionally, it is important to maintain a healthy and productive lifestyle while on this medication. This supplements the medication’s effectiveness and promotes focus and motivation for learning.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed whether Sertraline can improve learning. We have also discussed the positive and a few of the negative effects of the medication on learning.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
2.-
3.-
4.-
5.-
6.-
7.-
Find a supportive therapist who can help with Depression.
Discover the convenience of BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connecting you with licensed and accredited therapists specialized in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Complete the assessment and find your ideal therapist within just 48 hours.
AskYourPharm is user-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site
