Is Celexa 10mg effective for anxiety? (3+ precautions)
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 effectiveness of Celexa for anxiety. Furthermore, we will explore research findings, the effective dosage of Celexa for anxiety, precautions to consider and what to do if Celexa is not suitable for you.
Is Celexa 10mg effective for anxiety?
Yes, Celexa 10mg is effective in the treatment of anxiety and depression. However, higher doses of Celexa, such as 20mg and 40mg are more effective compared to 10mg. Celexa 10mg is also associated with fewer side effects compared to higher doses of Celexa.
What does research suggest?
According to a research study, different doses of Celexa were administered to depressed patients to assess the response. Researchers found that Celexa 10mg was effective for depression when taken for 6 weeks and was associated with fewer side effects compared to other doses of Celexa.
However, the response to Celexa 10mg was not as strong as compared to 20mg and 40mg per day, and more patients stopped taking higher doses due to side effects.
Higher doses of Celexa show significant improvement in depressed patients even after taking it for 2 weeks; however, higher doses are also associated with more side effects (1).
Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. Celexa may also help to treat other related conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social and generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Celexa blocks the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, and increases serotonin levels, which are associated with the reduction of symptoms of anxiety and depression. Celexa is generally considered a safe and effective antidepressant, even in elderly patients, with a lower incidence of side effects (2).
What is the effective dosage of Celexa for anxiety?
The effective dosage of Celexa depends on the patient’s response to the medication. Celexa is available in 10mg, 20mg, and 40mg tablets and a 10mg/5ml oral solution. Celexa is taken once daily, with or without food, in the morning or at night, as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Celexa is started at a lower-end dose, and if necessary, your healthcare provider may increase it by 10mg at weekly intervals to enhance efficacy. The maximum recommended dose of Celexa is 40mg per day for adults and 20mg per day for patients aged 60 and above (2,3).
Is Celexa 10mg safe for everyone with anxiety?
No, Celexa is not recommended for treating depression and anxiety in everyone. This antidepressant is not considered safe for Pregnant women and children. However, Celexa is considered safe for nursing mothers, patients with liver and kidney problems, and elderly patients.
The risks and benefits of using Celexa in specific patients must be weighed by your healthcare provider before starting the treatment. The decision to start Celexa in these patients depends on the current symptoms, medical history, and response to the treatment (2,3).
What precautions should be taken while using Celexa for anxiety?
The following precautions must be taken when using Celexa:
- Inform your doctor if you are hypersensitive to Celexa or taking any other medicines/supplements.
- Celexa 10mg is associated with fewer side effects, but patients should be monitored when starting or adjusting the dosage.
- Electrolyte levels must also be monitored in long-term use of Celexa.
- Do not use Celexa for anxiety if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), Thioridazine, Pimozide, Methylene blue, Linezolid, or Dapoxetine (2,4).
What to do if Celexa 10mg is not effective for anxiety?
If Celexa 10mg is not effective for you and no improvement has been observed, inform your healthcare provider. They will evaluate your current condition and adjust the dosage according to your response to the medication.
Your healthcare provider may increase the dose from 10mg to a maximum of 40mg per day at weekly intervals and monitor you closely for any common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, heartburn, fatigue, sweating, or other side effects. However, these side effects are mild to moderate in intensity and may subside as the body adjusts to the medication (2,3).
If your side effects persist or become bothersome when Celexa dose is adjusted, your healthcare provider may taper it off gradually and recommend an alternative antidepressant. Celexa is a safe and effective antidepressant and does not commonly cause many side effects in patients using it.
Conclusion
This article has discussed the effectiveness of Celexa 10mg in treating anxiety and depression. Research has shown that Celexa 10mg is effective in treating anxiety when used for longer periods of up to 6 weeks.
If you are not experiencing improvement in your depression symptoms with Celexa 10mg, consult your doctor, who may adjust the dosage and assess your response. Celexa 10mg also carries a lower risk of side effects compared to higher doses.
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References
1.-
Bech P, Tanghøj P, Andersen HF, Overø K. Citalopram dose-response revisited using an alternative psychometric approach to evaluate clinical effects of four fixed citalopram doses compared to placebo in patients with major depression. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2002 Aug;163(1):20-5. doi: 10.1007/s00213-002-1147-6. Epub 2002 Jul 3. PMID: 12185396. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12185396/
2.-
Sharbaf Shoar N, Fariba KA, Padhy RK. Citalopram. 2021 Dec 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29489221. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29489221/
3.-
FDA Label. Celexa (Citalopram). [Internet]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020822s047lbl.pdf
4.-
MedlinePlus[Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US);2023. Citalopram; [updated 2022 Jan 15; cited 2023 JUL 10]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699001.html
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