What Antidepressants Can You Take With Celexa? (+5 Options)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 02/01/2024 | Next review date: 02/01/2026

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

Ivan Kahwa

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In this article, we will discuss what other antidepressants can be used with Celexa (Citalopram), and the potential benefits and risks of combining Celexa with other antidepressants.

What antidepressants can you take with Celexa?

Antidepressants that can be taken with citalopram include:

Other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors
Atypical antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants

Other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Celexa can be combined with other SSRIs such as Fluoxetine. A study suggested that a combination of these drugs modulates the immune systems and may mediate their therapeutic antidepressant effect (5).

However, the combination of two SSRIs may increase the risk of Serotonin syndrome, therefore, it is important to consult your healthcare provider before using Celexa with other SSRIs.

Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Combining SNRIs like Venlafaxine with Celexa may have potential benefits, but it should be done under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional.

The combination can increase the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which can offer advantages in treating certain mood disorders (4).

Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)

The combination of NDRIs with Celexa is helpful in better control of symptoms especially in case of resistant depression, for example, the combination of Celexa with Bupropion in treating resistant depression (2).

Atypical antidepressants

Atypical antidepressants, such as Mirtazapine, have different mechanisms of action compared to Celexa. The combination may be considered when the individual’s depression does not get better with Celexa alone.

Combining atypical antidepressants with Celexa may address comorbid conditions such as anxiety and insomnia, for example, coadministration of Celexa and Mirtazapine results in increased anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of these medicines (3).

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Combining atypical antidepressants with Celexa can enhance the overall effectiveness in managing mood disorders, leading to better symptomatic relief.

For example, an enhanced response is observed in treating major depressive disorder when Celexa is combined with Nortryptyline (1).

Combining antidepressants is a complex medical decision. The safety and effectiveness of any antidepressant combination depend upon your individual health and the guidance of your healthcare provider.

Benefits of combining antidepressants with Celexa

Combining antidepressants, including citalopram, with other medications may have certain benefits in the management of depression. These benefits can include:

Improving symptom control, especially in cases where a single medication has not been effective
Addressing specific symptoms that may be unresponsive to the initial medication, by adding a different antidepressant
Allowing for lower doses of each antidepressant, potentially reducing the risk of side effects while maintaining effectiveness
Rapid improvement in symptoms in some cases

Interactions and side effects of combining Celexa with other antidepressants

Potential interactions can occur between Celexa and other antidepressants that can result in:

Serotonin syndrome: It occurs when both drugs elevate the level of serotonin in the brain leading to agitation, confusion, palpitations, and muscle rigidity.
Drug-drug interactions: Celexa can interact with other drugs leading to altered response of medications.
Increased risk of Side effects: The side effects associated with the use of Celexa with other antidepressants include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, agitation, changes in vision, and suicidal thoughts.

Expert recommendations for combining Celexa with other antidepressants

It is recommended that before taking any combination of antidepressant drugs, consult your healthcare provider to check for any potential drug-drug interactions as these interactions can sometimes be dangerous.

Every individual’s response toward drugs differs from others. So it is important to have your healthcare provider assess your individual condition and provide you with treatment that is specific to your needs.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the other antidepressants that can be combined with Celexa and the potential risks associated with the use of any antidepressant drug combination.

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References

1.-

Raisi, Firoozeh & Habibi, Nastaran & Nasehi, Abbas Ali & Mohammadi, Mohammad Reza. (2007). Combination of citalopram and nortriptyline in the treatment of severe major depression: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Therapy. 4. 187-192. 10.2217/14750708.4.2.187. https://www.openaccessjournals.com/articles/combination-of-citalopram-and-nortriptyline-in-the-treatment-of-severe-major-depression-a-doubleblind-placebocontrolled-.pdf

2.-

Moret C. Combination/augmentation strategies for improving the treatment of depression. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2005 Dec;1(4):301-9. PMID: 18568111; PMCID: PMC2424118. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2424118/

3.-

Masuda T, Inoue T, An Y, Takamura N, Nakagawa S, Kitaichi Y, Koyama T, Kusumi I. Effect of the coadministration of citalopram with mirtazapine or atipamezole on rat contextual conditioned fear. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2014 Feb 11;10:289-95. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S55507. PMID: 24627635; PMCID: PMC3931693. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3931693/

4.-

Gonul AS, Akdeniz F, Donat O, Vahip S. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors combined with venlafaxine in depressed patients who had partial response to venlafaxine: four cases. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2003 Aug;27(5):889-91. doi: 10.1016/S0278-5846(03)00120-9. PMID: 12921926. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12921926/

5.-

Su F, Yi H, Xu L, Zhang Z. Fluoxetine and S-citalopram inhibit M1 activation and promote M2 activation of microglia in vitro. Neuroscience. 2015 May 21;294:60-8. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.02.028. Epub 2015 Feb 21. PMID: 25711936. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25711936/

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What antidepressants can you take with Celexa? (+5 options)