Can you take Sertraline and Celecoxib together? (13+ risks)

In this article, we will discuss the topic: “Can you take Sertraline and Celecoxib together?” We will also talk about what the research suggests, the benefits and side effects linked with it, who is more prone to side effects, and precautions to be taken while using the combination of Sertraline and Celecoxib. 

Can you take Sertraline and Celecoxib together?

Yes, you can take Sertraline and Celecoxib together, but only if prescribed by your healthcare provider. This combination carries an increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects; hence it should be avoided in patients who are more prone to experience stomach problems (1). 

Celecoxib may enhance the effectiveness of Sertraline when used in combination to treat inflammation, especially in the initial stages of antidepressant treatment; however, it may also be associated with side effects (2).  

What does research suggest?

A research study conducted in 2015, indicated that Celecoxib may be used as an add-on treatment for depression alongside Sertraline. Celecoxib may help treat depression, especially when it is associated with inflammation in the body during the early phases of combination treatment. 

Another clinical study suggested that Celecoxib works by reducing inflammation; hence it might play a role in improving depression symptoms. Patients recover faster from depression when Celecoxib is administered at a dose of 200mg per day alongside Sertraline compared to antidepressant treatment alone. 

This study used a fixed dose of Celecoxib; therefore, using it at higher or lower doses may yield different results (2). The benefits of this combination can not be applied to everyone using Celecoxib and Sertraline together, especially since men and women may respond differently.

These research studies suggest that there is a need for further investigation to determine the effectiveness of the combination of Sertraline and Celecoxib in patients who do not respond to antidepressant therapy alone (3).

Additionally, more research is needed to completely understand how and when Celecoxib should be used for depression or if it is safe and effective for long-term treatments (3). The effects of Celecoxib on Sertraline may start to weaken after two months of combination therapy (4).

Sertraline has been widely used by healthcare providers to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety, and other related mental health conditions (5). Celecoxib is approved by the FDA for treating conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, painful menstrual cramps, and short-term acute pains caused by dental or medical surgeries, and injuries (6).

What are the benefits of using Celecoxib and Sertraline together?

When Celecoxib and Sertraline are used in combination, patients may experience quick relief from their depression symptoms. This combination therapy may increase the chances of complete relief from depression when compared to patients taking Sertraline alone for their depression.  

Furthermore, Celecoxib and Sertraline combination treatment could also be beneficial for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), leading to reduced inflammation-related symptoms (7).

What are the side effects of using Celecoxib and Sertraline together?

When NSAIDs such as Celecoxib are combined with SSRIs like Sertraline, you may have a higher risk of stomach disorders compared to those who take antidepressants and NSAIDs alone.

The risk of stomach bleeding may be increased with Celecoxib and Sertraline combination treatment. If you are using this combination and have a history of stomach problems, you should be aware of the side effects and watch out for them vigilantly. Your doctor may consider using antidepressants that do not affect serotonin levels as much as SSRIs do (8).

If doses of Celecoxib and Sertraline are not adjusted properly, several side effects may occur, including: 

• Nausea or vomiting 
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Dry mouth
• Acid reflux
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Sexual side effects
• Sweating (5)
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Sore throat
• Flu-like symptoms (6)

Who is prone to side effects of Celecoxib and Sertraline combination?

The following individuals may be more prone to side effects when taking a combination of Celecoxib and Sertraline: 

• Patients who are using SSRIs with NSAIDs for the first time are at a higher risk of stomach problems (1).
• Elderly patients often have underlying health conditions, like ulceration, bleeding risks, and weak stomach and intestines (6).   
• Patients with a history of acid reflux due to certain dietary factors (9).  
• Patients with bleeding disorders may experience an increased risk of blood thinning (10).  
• Patients with kidney problems may experience disturbances in fluid and electrolyte balance. 
• Individuals with a history of cardiovascular diseases are at an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes (6). 

How to manage side effects of Celecoxib and Sertraline combinations?

To decrease the chances of side effects while taking Celecoxib and Sertraline combination, your healthcare provider may prescribe these medications in lower doses, for a short period, or may replace Celecoxib with well-tolerated pain relievers. If necessary, your doctor may also prescribe medicines that will protect your stomach (1,11).

What are the precautions while using Celecoxib and Sertraline together?

Before using the combination treatment of Celecoxib and Sertraline, inform your doctor if you are: 

• Hypersensitive to Sertraline (SSRI) or Celecoxib (NSAID)
• Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MOAI) antidepressants
• Using Pimozide 
• Taking Disulfiram
• Using any other medications or supplements
• Pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• Opting for any surgery including dental surgery

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the drug interaction between Celecoxib and Sertraline. Celecoxib, when used as additional treatment with Sertraline, may enhance the efficacy of treatment, especially in the early phase of treatment, and depressed patients may recover faster and completely. 

However, this combination of Celecoxib and Sertraline should only be taken if prescribed by your healthcare provider as a short-term treatment, considering the potential risk of stomach-related disorders. 

Inform your doctor before opting for this combination treatment of Celecoxib and Sertraline, if you have any underlying medical health condition or if you are taking other medicines or supplements to minimize the risks. 

References