Is Sertraline effective for chronic pain relief? (3 facts)
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
This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of whether Sertraline can be considered effective for pain relief. Additionally, this article will explore research studies and the benefits of Sertraline for chronic pain management.
Is Sertraline effective for chronic pain relief?
Yes, Sertraline is effective for pain relief of certain conditions. While its role in pain management remains unclear, recent studies have explored its potential as an analgesic.
Sertraline, classified as a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI), primarily acts by elevating serotonin levels in the brain. Traditionally, it is the preferred choice of treatment for managing depressive and anxiety disorders. Nevertheless, there has been growing interest in investigating its possible efficacy in alleviating chronic pain in some individuals (1,2).
Chronic pain is defined as persistent or recurrent discomfort lasting for three months or more, whether arising from idiopathic origins or as a consequence of conditions such as trauma or cancer (2).
If you are struggling with chronic pain, you should seek immediate medical attention from your primary healthcare provider.
What does research suggest?
There is limited research linking chronic pain management with Sertraline. However, several studies have linked the use of SSRI medications with chronic pain management.
A study reviewing antidepressants for chronic pain management in adults aimed to differentiate and rank the efficacy of antidepressants in effective pain management. The study suggested that there is a gap in determining the efficacy, safety and tolerability of antidepressants in the management of chronic pain. However, the study suggested that chronic pain treatment with SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants was effective for the management of fibromyalgia and chronic-tension-type headaches (2,3).
A separate review study on how to manage chronic pain with SSRIs hypothesized the effectiveness of SSRI medications in managing chronic pain (4).
Furthermore, a study on the use of antidepressants in pain management indicated that Sertraline is the most effective SSRI medication in pain management for most cases of chronic pain (5).
Which types of chronic pain are managed by Sertraline?
Sertraline manages certain types of chronic pain including (3,4,5):
- Fibromyalgia – Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and tenderness. Sertraline, when used in combination with other medications such as duloxetine, proves beneficial in managing fibromyalgia. Although the precise mechanism is not well understood, some individuals have reported pain relief and an improvement in their quality of life.
- Post-operative pain – Sertraline also holds potential in reducing post-operative pain and enhancing an individual’s recovery. It can reduce the intensity of pain experienced after surgery, leading to shorter hospital stays and improved patient outcomes.
- Neuropathic pain and Central sensitization – Neuropathic pain refers to abnormal nerve pain resulting from nerve overstimulation or damage. This type of pain can be effectively managed by Sertraline due to its modulation of serotonin and other neurotransmitters involved in pain perception. Additionally, through this mechanism, Sertraline can help modulate sensitization and provide relief in conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and chronic tension-type headaches.
- Pain associated with depression and anxiety – By managing depression and anxiety disorders, Sertraline indirectly provides pain relief by addressing the underlying mental health condition.
What factors influence the management of chronic pain with Sertraline?
While Sertraline shows promise as a potential adjunctive treatment for pain relief, its effectiveness in chronic pain management is influenced by various factors including:
- The type of chronic pain – The type of pain is significant in determining whether Sertraline is an appropriate treatment option.
- Individual variability – The effectiveness of Sertraline in individuals can vary due to patient-unique factors such as genetics.
- Dosage and treatment duration – The prescribed dosage and duration of treatment can impact its ability to manage chronic pain.
- Medication interactions – Potential interactions between Sertraline and other concurrent medications can affect Sertraline’s efficacy and safety.
What are the precautions for Sertraline in chronic pain?
When taking Sertraline for chronic pain management, it is important to observe the following precautions:
- Always follow your prescriber’s guidance regarding treatment duration and dosage.
- Attend regular follow-up sessions with your doctor.
- Monitor your response to the medication.
- Do not discontinue Sertraline without consulting your doctor.
- Inform your doctor if you are using any other medications or supplements or any underlying conditions.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored the potential benefits of Sertraline in chronic pain management. Additionally, we have also discussed the types of pain this medication can address and the factors that influence its effectiveness in the context of chronic pain management.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
2.-
3.-
4.-
5.-
Find a supportive therapist who can help with Depression.
Discover the convenience of BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connecting you with licensed and accredited therapists specialized in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Complete the assessment and find your ideal therapist within just 48 hours.
AskYourPharm is user-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site
