Does Sertraline treat Fibromyalgia? (+5 options)

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 whether Sertraline is used for treating Fibromyalgia or not. We will look at the research studies and the usefulness of Sertraline for Fibromyalgia. We will further discover some other medications and treatment approaches to treat this condition. 

Does Sertraline treat Fibromyalgia?

Sertraline may treat Fibromyalgia. Sertraline and its effectiveness for Fibromyalgia is not clear but it is considered effective to treat depression associated with Fibromyalgia. 

Sertraline is an SSRI antidepressant that works by reuptaking serotonin in the brain. It is a preferred choice for major depressive disorder, and some other depressive conditions but is not a drug of choice for Fibromyalgia.  

What is the link between Sertraline and Fibromyalgia?

The link between Sertraline and Fibromyalgia is not clear. Sertraline does not directly affect Fibromyalgia but indirectly affects the associated conditions linked to Fibromyalgia. 

Sertraline, Trazodone, and other antidepressants were given to a population for the treatment of Fibromyalgia pain, and the results varied significantly (1).

Fibromyalgia is linked with a decrease in brain chemicals such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. The decrease in these neurotransmitters is not only associated with pain but also leads to anxiety and depression. Improvement in these conditions may indirectly impact Fibromyalgia-associated pain perception (1). 

Therefore, some studies have explored the use of SSRI antidepressants including sertraline as a broader approach for Fibromyalgia. Dysfunction in serotonin transmission may play a role in the pathophysiologic mechanism of Fibromyalgia (1).

What does research suggest? 

An imbalance or deficiency in serotonin is associated with other conditions linked with Fibromyalgia such as fatigue and cognitive deficits. Hence, SSRIs may increase serotonin levels and improve pain, fatigue, sleep, and quality of life (2). 

A 6-month comparative random study was conducted on 70 female patients with Fibromyalgia pain. The efficacy of Sertraline was compared to the physical treatment and ultrasonography in those patients (3). 

The results showed an improvement in Sertraline-treated patients in terms of pain, morning stiffness, and sleep disorders as compared to those who were given ultrasonography and physical therapy (3). 

What are the treatment options for Fibromyalgia?

The USFDA-approved medications for Fibromyalgia include (4): 

  • Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
  • Milnacipran (Savella)
  • Pregabalin (Lyrica)

Duloxetine and Milnacipran have shown affinity in improving pain and other fibromyalgia-associated symptoms by inhibiting both serotonin and norepinephrine transporters (5). 

However, Duloxetine has more selectivity for serotonin transporter while Milnacipran is more selective for norepinephrine inhibition rather than serotonin transporter (5). 

Other drugs which are also used off-labelled for treating fibromyalgia and associated conditions include (4):

  • Tricyclic antidepressant (Amitriptyline)
  • Anticonvulsants (Gabapentin)
  • SSRIs (Fluoxetine and Paroxetine)
  • Opioids (Tramadol)

However, the prescriber should consider the patient’s clinical features, side effects, and response, and then prescribe the most suitable medication for their treatment. 

What are the common symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Some common symptoms of Fibromyalgia are (6):

  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Fatigue and tiredness
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Sleep problems
  • Headaches usually migraines
  • Tingling in hands and feet
  • Gastrointestinal problems

Every person suffering from Fibromyalgia may not have all these symptoms. Fibromyalgia signs and symptoms may vary from person to person. Consult your doctor if you have similar symptoms and seek proper medical attention. 

What are the non-pharmacological treatments for fibromyalgia?

Some non-pharmacological therapies for treating Fibromyalgia include: 

  • Physical therapy
  • Lifestyle modifications
  • Exercise
  • Ultrasonography
  • Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
  • Sleep management
  • Diet and nutrition

Your healthcare provider should provide a tailored treatment plan based on your health condition. The symptoms and treatment of Fibromyalgia may vary from person to person. Therefore, an effective treatment plan with both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment is necessary. 

Conclusion

We have discussed the effectiveness of Sertraline for Fibromyalgia. We have disclosed FDA-approved medication and other treatment options for the treatment of Fibromyalgia pain and associated symptoms. 

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

References

1.-

Walitt B, Urrútia G, Nishishinya MB, Cantrell SE, Häuser W. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for fibromyalgia syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Jun 5;2015(6): CD011735. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011735. PMID: 26046493; PMCID: PMC4755337. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4755337/

2.-

Üçeyler, N., Häuser, W. and Sommer, C. (2008), A systematic review on the effectiveness of treatment with antidepressants in fibromyalgia syndrome. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 59: 1279-1298. https://doi.org/10.1002/art.24000

3.-

González-Viejo MA, Avellanet M, Hernández-Morcuende MI. Etude comparative dans traitement de la fibromyalgie: ultrasons et kinésithérapie versus sertraline [A comparative study of fibromyalgia treatment: ultrasonography and physiotherapy versus sertraline treatment]. Ann Readapt Med Phys. 2005 Nov;48(8):610-5. French. doi: 10.1016/j.annrmp.2005.03.012. Epub 2005 May 31. PMID: 15979192. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15979192/

4.-

Kia S, Choy E. Update on Treatment Guideline in Fibromyalgia Syndrome with Focus on Pharmacology. Biomedicines [Internet]. 2017 May 8;5(4):20. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines5020020

5.-

Mease, P. J. (2009). Further Strategies for Treating Fibromyalgia: The Role of Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors. The American Journal of Medicine, 122(12), S44–S55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2009.09.010

6.-

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Population Health. Last reviewed: January 6, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm

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