What Does Celexa Treat? (3+ Uses)

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 the uses of Celexa (Citalopram). We will also discuss its FDA approved and Off-label uses and some common side effects.

What does Celexa treat?

Citalopram, sold under the brand name Celexa, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following conditions:

Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Panic disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Celexa is a prescription medication and works primarily in the brain by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, a brain chemical. In this way, Citalopram allows more serotonin to remain in the synapses for a longer period. The increased levels of serotonin help to normalize the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. This, in turn, can alleviate symptoms of conditions like depression and anxiety (1).

Let’s discuss the FDA-approved uses of Celexa.

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

Citalopram is primarily prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder, commonly referred to as depression, in adults aged 18 years and above. It helps to reduce the symptoms of sadness, loss of interest in daily routine, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns.

Panic disorder

Citalopram is also used to treat panic disorder, a type of anxiety disorder characterised by sudden and recurring panic attacks. It decreases the duration and intensity of panic attacks. It also reduces the symptoms of fear and physical discomfort (2).

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Celexa may also be prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a type of anxiety disorder characterized by excessive worry about different aspects of life.

What are the off-label uses of Celexa?

Off-label uses of Celexa include (3):

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): In some cases, Citalopram may be prescribed to manage symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD involves recurring unwanted thoughts (obsession) and repetitive behaviours or rituals (compulsions). Citalopram can help reduce the severity of these symptoms (4).

Social anxiety disorder (Social phobia): Citalopram is used to treat social anxiety disorder, which involves intense fear and avoidance of social situations due to anxiety about being judged or embarrassed.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Celexa may be used to treat symptoms of PTSD such as intrusive thoughts, nightmares and anxiety.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): Celexa can be used to alleviate symptoms of PMDD by regulating mood and reducing emotional symptoms.

Always use Celexa after consulting your doctor first. They will determine the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment based on the specific condition and individual needs. Additionally, Celexa, like other antidepressants, may take several weeks to show its full therapeutic effects, and discontinuing the medication should be done under medical supervision to prevent potential withdrawal symptoms.

What are the side effects of Celexa?

Citalopram can cause some common and rare side effects (1).

Common side effects: The early side effects of Citalopram may appear within the first few days. They may vary from person to person and not everyone experiences all of them.

Some early side effects include:

Headache
Dry mouth
vomiting
Nausea
Tiredness
Excessive sweating
Insomnia
Loss of appetite
Sexual dysfunction
Diarrhoea
Drowsiness

Rare side effects: Some serious and rare side effects of Citalopram include:

Bleeding
Seizures
Coma
Unconsciousness
Tinnitus

If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned side effects and they are not resolving on their own, you must see a doctor.

How to know if Celexa isn’t suitable for you?

If Celexa is not suitable for you, you may experience difficulty with sleep, temporary mood improvement that doesn’t last, consistently low mood after three months, worsening depression etc. In this case, inform your doctor immediately.

Your healthcare provider may adjust your medication dosage, consider alternative treatments, or provide additional guidance.

It is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider while taking Citalopram as they can provide personalized guidance and ensure safe and effective use of medication.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Celexa (Citalopram) is primarily prescribed to treat depression and related mood disorders such as major depressive disorder. Additionally, it may be used for other conditions including anxiety disorders and certain off-label indications. The therapeutic use of Celexa should be determined by a healthcare provider based on an individual’s diagnosis and needs.