Does Celexa interact with Tylenol? (3+ findings)
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 whether Celexa interacts with Tylenol or not, why is Tylenol recommended for use with antidepressants rather than other analgesics, what research suggests and what to do if adverse effects occur while using Celexa and Tylenol concomitantly.
Does Celexa interact with Tylenol?
There is no drug interaction found between Celexa (Citalopram) and Tylenol (Acetaminophen). It is safe to use both drugs together.
Celexa (Citalopram) is an antidepressant drug that is used in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. Tylenol (Acetaminophen) is a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic that is used as a painkiller to treat moderate pain.
Analgesics are considered dangerous when concomitantly taken with antidepressants, as when they are both taken together, they increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. (1)
However, Tylenol (Acetaminophen) is a non-opioid analgesic, unlike Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) does not irritate the stomach, it has a safe and tolerable effect on the Gastro-Intestinal Tract (GIT).
Why is Tylenol preferred with antidepressants rather than other analgesics?
Tylenol is recommended for use with antidepressants because of its safety profile. It can be used with Celexa or other Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Lexapro, Zoloft, and Prozac.
Tylenol (Acetaminophen) can be taken on an empty stomach, Tylenol doesn’t interfere with Cyclo-Oxygenase enzyme (COX-1), an enzyme that is important for homeostasis and other bodily functions. (2)
On the contrary, other analgesics such as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit the Cyclo-Oxygenase enzyme 1 (COX-1) and Cyclo-Oxygenase enzyme 2 (COX-2), these 2 enzymes are responsible for Prostaglandin production, a natural substance in your body that helps in protecting the stomach and intestine lining, also Prostaglandin plays an important role in inhibiting the gastric acid protecting the stomach and intestine walls.
Therefore the use of NSAIDs inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes leading to stomach and intestinal wall irritation which can ultimately lead to ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestine.
What does research suggest?
Research studies showed that the concomitant use of both antidepressants and NSAIDs exacerbates the Gastrointestinal adverse effects.
The concomitant use of Celexa or other Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) increases the Gastro-Intestinal Tract (GIT) side effects that can lead to stomach and intestine ulceration. (1)
If you have a history of gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux), gastric ulcer, or bleeding, it’s best to use Tylenol (Acetaminophen) when experiencing pain instead of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
Adverse effects while using Celexa and Tylenol
If adverse effects occur while using Celexa and Tylenol together, it is best to contact your healthcare professional or physician to adjust Celexa’s dose or alter the medication, as the response may vary in every individual.
What to do if Tylenol is not effective while taking Celexa?
Tylenol (Acetaminophen) is a non-opioid analgesic that is used to treat mild to moderate pain. It may not give the best results or reduce the pain in patients experiencing moderate to severe pain, their pain will not go away and they will need to shift to a more potent analgesic.
The first step is to contact your healthcare provider or physician to assess your situation and shift you from a mild analgesic to a stronger option.
Research studies proved that in the case of patients who experience severe pain such as renal colic patients, the concomitant use of Celexa (citalopram) and opioid analgesics such as morphine will increase the efficacy of both drugs and control the severe pain experienced by patients. (3)
Therefore if you experience severe or persistent pain, it is best to contact your physician to evaluate your case and either adjust your painkiller dose or shift you to a more potent opioid analgesic.
Conclusion
Celexa doesn’t interact with Tylenol and no adverse effects occur while taking both drugs concomitantly. If you need an analgesic while taking an antidepressant, it is best to take Tylenol (Acetaminophen), as it is safe on the stomach compared to other analgesics.
If your pain doesn’t go away while taking Tylenol (Acetaminophen), consult your healthcare provider before changing the analgesic to assess your situation and shift you to a more potent opioid analgesic.
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References
1.-
De Jong JC, van den Berg PB, Tobi H, de Jong-van den Berg LT. Combined use of SSRIs and NSAIDs increases the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2003 Jun;55(6):591-5. doi: 10.1046/j.0306-5251.2002.01770.x. PMID: 12814454; PMCID: PMC1884264. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1884264/
2.-
U.S. National Library of Medicine. Acetaminophen: MedlinePlus Drug Information (Internet). Medlineplus.gov. 2019. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681004.html
3.-
Mehrdad Esmailian, Keshavarz M. Synergistic Effects of Citalopram and Morphine in the Renal Colic Pain Relief; a Randomized Clinical Trial. Emergency [Internet]. 2014 [cited 2023 Oct 11];2(1):26. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4614620/
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