Published on 22 November 2021

Treating Pain with Celexa: What You Should Know?

Citalopram (Celexa) Treating Pain with Celexa What You Should Know
Table of Contents

Pain-causing is never a simple answer. It might cause you due for many reasons. That’s when you would try to use medicines related to pain which helps in curing. Pain is a sensation where you feel something is wrong; it may be tissue damage or other issues.

There are four different types of pain sensations in the body a person might experience. These can be defined as acute, chronic, radicular, neuropathic, and nociceptive pain. 

This is when Celexa comes into the picture. You need to know the reality of treating pain with the help of Celexa. 

What Is Celexa?

Celexa is a prescription medicine used to treat depression in adults. It is also used for  Obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia (also known as social anxiety disorder), posttraumatic stress disorder, eating disorders such as binge eating disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. May all benefit from citalopram when used "off-label" (PMDD). 

It is an antidepressant that contains the active ingredient citalopram. Depression is a mood disorder in which you feel down and lose interest in things you used to enjoy. Celexa is available as a pill to be taken once a day.

Antidepressants appear to be the most effective treatment for pain caused by Arthritis, Pain in the nerves, Headache caused by tension, Migraine, Nerve damage from diabetes, Nerve damage from shingles, Pain in the face, Fibromyalgia, Low backache, Pelvic discomfort and Pain from Multiple sclerosis.

How Does Celexa Work?

The mechanism by which Celexa relieves pain is currently unknown. Antidepressants may enhance pain-reducing neurotransmitters in the spinal cord. However, they do not function right away. An antidepressant may provide some relief after a week or two, but optimum improvement may take several weeks. Antidepressants provide moderate pain alleviation for most people.

If pain treatment with antidepressants is insufficient, drugs from other pharmacological classes with different mechanisms of pain reduction (such as anticonvulsants) may be used in combination with antidepressant-class pharmaceuticals.

It's worth noting that antidepressant medicines have been linked to a modest increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you're depressed or suicidal, see a doctor or counselor immediately.

How Effective Is Celexa For Pain?

Celexa is part of a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by preventing serotonin from being reabsorbed into the brain. 

Compared to tricyclic antidepressants, the data on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating neuropathic pain is less consistent, and studies are far fewer. Citalopram has shown little efficacy in the treatment of neuropathic pain to date.

The overall impression is that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are thought to be less successful in treating neuropathic pain than other antidepressant alternatives. Indeed, it appears that SSRIs are not superior to other types of antidepressants used in treating neuropathic pain, such as tricyclic antidepressants, from a conservative standpoint. 

While the majority of Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) side effects are minor, there is a risk of weight gain from Citalopram as it will affect long-term usage and sexual dysfunction, and withdrawal symptoms with abrupt termination.

Benefits of taking Citalopram at night are as follows:

  • Better Sleep
  • Curing Daytime Fatigue
  • Improving Sexual Life
  • Controlling Equipment
  • Minimises Accidents

Precautions of Celexa

Whenever you consume medicines, you must follow a few of the given precautions. These precautions will help you not get rid of the side effects the medicine holds. Following are the precautions and inform the doctor as well:

  • Do not stop consuming the medicine abruptly.
  • The medicine has the chance to increase the bleeding problems, inform the doctor.
  • Do not consume alcohol while on Celexa medication.
  • Do not drive any heavy machinery, which needs high attention and focus.
  • If you feel changes in your sexual life, inform the doctor.
  • Do not take the medication if you are allergic to Celexa.
  • Inform the doctor if you have any heart problems.
  • Taking Citalopram more than prescribed.

These are a few of the precautions that should be followed. Do inform the doctor about your medical history. This will prevent you from not affecting from any negative effects due to the medicine. Also, the dosage or consumption of the medicine can be changed.

Possible Side Effects

Every medication has positive effects on the body, but it also comes with negative effects, called side effects. Side effects are of two types wherein common side effects can be cured with time, but the severe ones should be consulted with the doctor. 

Common Side Effects

Severe Side Effects

Lower in sexual desire

Gastric issues

sleepiness

heartburn

Uncontrolled eye movements

Loss of hearing

Sweating

Loss of voice

Change in taste

Thinning of hair

Stuffy nose

Unusual changes in weight

Celexa Withdrawal Symptoms

Stopping medicine is a huge deal. If you stop consuming the medicine suddenly, it will create a lot of issues in your body and you might also get affected by side effects. It is essential to stop the medicine gradually. This will help you with not get negatively affected. You should stop with the doctor's suggestion only. 

Withdrawal Symptoms:

  • Chronic headaches
  • Mood swings
  • Sweating
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia.

If you see any of the given symptoms, consult your doctor and get things solved as soon as possible. 

How To Use Celexa For Pain?

Whenever you are consuming Celexa, you should know the safety measures. You should read all the information on the medicine package before consuming. You can have the medicine with food or without food at your convenience. 

Dosage Of Celexa

  • Initial Dosage: 20mg per day
  • Continuation dosage: you can add more 20 mg as per need (recommended by the doctor)
  • Maximum Dosage: You should not take more than 40mg  

Drug Interactions

Chances of Celexa interacting with other medications are possible. You should always inform your doctor about the medicine you have been consuming. This will prevent you from any unwanted effects. 

Drugs that interact with Celexa are:

  • Fluconazole
  • Ketoconazole
  • Linezolid
  • Iproniazid
  • Bromopride
  • Pimozide
  • Amitriptyline

These are not the complete list; it is advised you talk to your general practitioner whenever you consume any medicine.

Bottom Line From Practical Anxiety Solutions

By now, you might have known about Celexa being used for curing pains. The main purpose of using Celexa is different, but due to the medicinal components of Celexa, it can also cure pain sensations. 

You should know the consumption of medicine and the safety process before you consume it. Other side effects may also affect you, but you should take precautionary measures to avoid trouble. Talk to your doctor for better guidance when you are about to consume medicine.