Does Sertraline cause pancreatitis? (3+ factors)

By Ivan Kahwa
Page last updated: 02/01/2024 | Next review date: 02/01/2026
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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 pancreatitis associated with Sertraline – a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). We will also discuss some research studies and what you should do if these adverse effects occur.

Does Sertraline cause pancreatitis?

Sertraline may cause pancreatitis in some individuals. Although it is not considered a common side effect, antidepressants may trigger symptoms associated with pancreatitis, such as fever, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting.

There is limited evidence to suggest that Sertraline can cause pancreatitis. In some cases, pancreatitis may not be directly linked to the antidepressant being used, and some individual-specific factors may contribute to triggering them. Patients may have other risk factors for pancreatitis, such as alcohol abuse or gallstones (1).

It’s significant to note that pancreatitis is a rare side effect of Sertraline. Generally, Sertraline is safe and well-tolerated for most people.

What does research suggest?

Currently, there is insufficient research evidence to suggest that Sertraline can cause pancreatitis.

A case study on Sertraline-induced pancreatitis was reported. A 55-year-old woman was hospitalized with severe abdominal pain and her use of the antidepressant Sertraline was discontinued. After the interruption of medication, her condition improved, and serum amylase levels normalized.

A research study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology reported that SSRIs may increase the risk of acute pancreatitis. Moreover, the study suggested that underlying medical conditions, depression, and confounding lifestyle factors can potentially increase the risk of pancreatitis (3).

Another research published in the Dose-Response: A International Journal reported a meta-analysis performed to evaluate the risk of SSRI-induced pancreatitis.

However, the association between acute pancreatitis and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use cannot be ruled out completely as no statistical significance was reported (4).

What are the symptoms of Sertraline-induced pancreatitis?

The symptoms associated with Sertraline-induced pancreatitis are similar to pancreatitis caused by other factors. These symptoms include:

  • Rapid heart rate
  • Fever
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Diarrhoea
  • Tenderness in the abdomen

If you develop any of these symptoms while taking Sertraline, it’s essential to communicate with your healthcare provider. Pancreatitis is a serious problem that requires early medical intervention.

What factors can contribute to Sertraline-induced pancreatitis?

Sertraline-induced pancreatitis can affect individuals differently, and the severity of the symptoms varies. Underlying health conditions can also play a crucial role in symptoms related to pancreatitis.

Underlying medical condition

Individuals who have had underlying medical conditions such as

  • Alcohol abuse
  • Gallstones
  • Hyperglyceridemia ( high levels of triglycerides in the blood) (1).

If you have any of these underlying conditions and are taking Sertraline, it’s important to be vigilant about any symptoms related to pancreatitis. It’s essential to seek guidance from your doctor. They may recommend necessary dose adjustments or switch to alternative medicine.

Dosage Regimen

Taking high doses of Sertraline can trigger the symptoms associated with pancreatitis. The initial dose of Sertraline for adults is usually 25 mg to 50 mg once a day. The dose can be gradually increased every week as needed and tolerated. The maximum daily dose recommended for Sertraline is 200 mg (6).

If you’re taking a high dose of Sertraline or if you’re titrating up the dose, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risk of pancreatitis.

Drug interaction

Possible drug interactions can trigger pancreatitis. The medications that can interact with Sertraline are:

  • Valproic acid (anticonvulsant)
  • Tetracyclines (antibiotics)
  • Azole antifungal medications ( such as Itraconazole, Fluconazole, and ketoconazole).

If you’re taking Sertraline and any other medications, it’s essential to seek guidance from your healthcare provider.

Some individuals are more likely to experience side effects from medications, including Sertraline. If you’re taking Sertraline and have any risk factors, it’s important to seek guidance from your healthcare provider.

What to do if Sertraline causes pancreatitis?

If you’re taking Sertraline and have any concerns regarding pancreatitis, it’s essential to discuss it with your healthcare provider. Pancreatitis is a serious medical condition that requires medical treatment.

  • Your healthcare provider will closely monitor your condition and provide necessary medical intervention. This may include pain relievers, intravenous fluids, and antibiotics to prevent infection.
  • In some cases, Surgical intervention could be needed to remove an inflamed pancreas or to remove fluid from around the pancreas.
  • Once your pancreatitis is under control, your healthcare provider will work with you to choose a different medication to treat depression or other mental illnesses.
  • A healthy lifestyle, plenty of rest, regular exercise, and proper hydration can help manage pancreatitis (6).

Conclusion

To sum up, Sertraline may cause pancreatitis, but the evidence is limited. Research suggests a slightly increased risk of pancreatitis in selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) users.

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Thanks for your feedback!

References

1.-

Yao S, Li J, Fan X, Liu Q, Lian J. The effect of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors on risk of type II diabetes mellitus and acute pancreatitis: a meta-analysis. Biosci Rep. 2018 Oct 5;38(5):BSR20180967. doi: 10.1042/BSR20180967. PMID: 30126851; PMCID: PMC6172426.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30126851/

2.-

Malbergier A, Oliveira Júnior HP. Sertraline and acute pancreatitis: a case-report. Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry. 2004;26:39-40.https://www.scielo.br/j/rbp/a/qzLyBBHD7Y6fPy9sQ4sDvJg/?lang=en

3.-

Nørgaard M, Jacobsen J, Gasse C, Pedersen L, Mortensen PB, Sørensen HT. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and risk of acute pancreatitis: a population-based case-control study. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2007 Jun;27(3):259-62. doi: 10.1097/JCP.0b013e318058a9c3. PMID: 17502772.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17502772/

4.-

Lai SW, Yu CC, Lin CL, Liao KF. The Risk of Acute Pancreatitis and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Use: A Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies. Dose Response. 2020 Mar 30;18(1):1559325820902352. doi: 10.1177/1559325820902352. PMID: 32284693; PMCID: PMC7133076.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32284693/

5.-

Pladevall-Vila, M., Pottegård, A., Schink, T. et al. Risk of Acute Liver Injury in Agomelatine and Other Antidepressant Users in Four European Countries: A Cohort and Nested Case–Control Study Using Automated Health Data Sources. CNS Drugs 33, 383–395 (2019).https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40263-019-00611-9

6.-

Nhs.Uk,’ symptoms of acute pancreatitis, [updated 2022 May 24; Cited 2023 Oct 11], [Internet], Available online from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acute-pancreatitis/symptoms/

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