Does Celexa cause body aches? (7 factors)

In this article, we will discuss whether Celexa causes body aches. Additionally, we will explore the potential risk between Celexa and body aches, what factors contribute to this side effect, how to manage it, and what to do if Celexa causes body aches.

Does Celexa cause body aches?

Yes, Celexa may cause body aches, but it is not a common side effect. Body aches are characterized by muscular and joint pains, often accompanied by excessive tiredness.

Some people taking Citalopram may experience tiredness and body aches, especially those who are new to Celexa or antidepressants in general. However, not everyone using Celexa experiences these side effects (1).  Certain factors can make some individuals more prone to it.

What is the potential link between Celexa and body aches?

Celexa can cause hyponatremia (low sodium levels) but it is rare, and these low sodium levels may be associated with body aches. Citalopram may cause an excessive secretion of antidiuretic hormone, leading to low sodium levels (2).

In severe cases, gradual discontinuation of Celexa treatment can help improve the symptoms of body aches caused by hyponatremia, leading to a better overall condition (3). Body aches resulting from hyponatremia while using Citalopram can occur in any patient, but are more common in elderly patients, especially women, and are more likely to occur in the early stages of Citalopram treatment (4).

Among all antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have the highest risk of causing hyponatremia in the first few weeks of Citalopram treatment, although it may take longer in some patients (5).

What factors contribute to Celexa-induced body aches?

The following factors may contribute to Celexa-induced body aches, including:

• Higher doses of Celexa.
• Age of the patient, especially in elderly patients, particularly women.
• Taking multiple medicines like antihypertensives, diuretics or other psychotropic drugs can cause low salt levels in the body.
• Being very sick or weak.
• Individuals with low weight.
• Low sodium levels in the diet.
• Other underlying health conditions (5,6).

How to manage Celexa-induced body aches?

You may try the following tips to manage Celexa-induced body aches:

Use OTC painkillers

You can use over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers such as Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen, these painkillers are safe and can be taken for temporary pain relief in Celexa-induced body aches.

Low sodium levels

Low sodium levels in the blood can cause Celexa-induced body aches, which can be treated through a balanced diet, using electrolyte solutions or Ringer’s solution for infusion in more serious cases of reduced sodium levels.

Take a hot bath 

Take a hot bath as it can reduce body aches and provide relief from muscle stiffness. When you take a hot bath, the heat helps to improve blood flow to the aching muscles, promoting better blood circulation. Additionally, the warmth from the hot bath can relax and loosen tensed muscles.

Use of warm sheets

Keeping yourself warm with sheets or blankets can also help reduce body aches, especially when lying down to rest or sleep. When your body is warm, your muscles get relaxed, which will promote quality sleep and prevent you from waking up during the night due to body aches.

Hydration

Staying well-hydrated plays an important role in preventing body aches. Dehydration may lead to muscle cramps and strains, causing aches and pains. Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day.

Well-balanced diet

A well-balanced diet provides your body with essential nutrients, that are necessary for muscle and joint health. Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to aches and pains, so it is crucial to maintain a healthy diet to promote overall well-being.

Exercises

Engage yourself in low-intensity exercises like walking, yoga, breathing exercises, or stretching. These exercises promote flexibility, improve blood circulation, and release tension in the muscles, which can help prevent muscle stiffness and body aches.

Quality sleep

Inadequate sleep can lead to increased body aches. Sleep for 8-9 hours daily to relax the body and promote healing. During deep sleep, the body repairs all the damage caused to muscles and joints throughout the day.

Massage with oils

Massaging your aching muscles or joints with oil can help soothe and reduce body aches. There are some essential oils with pain-relieving properties such as Chamomile oil, Lavender oil, and Eucalyptus oil.

Massage helps increase blood flow to the affected area, which can reduce tension in the muscles. You can also use pain-relieving over-the-counter balms to reduce body aches.

What to do if Celexa causes body aches?

If body aches induced by Celexa become bothersome, please contact your doctor. You might be taking a higher dose than necessary, and your doctor may need to adjust your Celexa dosage and monitor your response to the medication.

Elderly patients, who are at higher risk of experiencing body aches with Celexa, must be closely monitored for such symptoms. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines or supplements while using Celexa, as they may also contribute to body aches (7).

Additionally, inform your doctor about any other underlying medical conditions. Clear communication with your healthcare provider plays an essential role in the diagnosis and proper treatment of the condition.

What other side effects may be caused by Celexa?

Celexa is a safe and well-tolerated antidepressant; however, some side effects are still associated with it. Some common side effects may include, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dry mouth, acid reflux, sexual side effects, fatigue, sweating, and sleep disturbances.

These side effects are generally mild to moderate and they subside as the body adjusts to Celexa. If any of these side effects persist or become bothersome, you must immediately seek medical attention (1).

Conclusion

Celexa can cause body aches in some patients. These body aches are characterized by muscular and joint pains accompanied by fatigue. However, not everyone who takes Celexa will experience these side effects.

The potential link between Celexa and body aches appears to be associated with the medication’s tendency to cause hyponatremia (low salt levels in the blood). If body aches become bothersome, adjustments to the dosage may be necessary, which should be made by your doctor.

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