The Celebrex-Depression Connection

Celebrex-Depression: Knowing More About The Brand

Celebrex is the brand name of the generic drug celecoxib, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID. It is primarily used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, pain during menstruation, colon and rectal polyps for patients suffering from familial adenomatous polyposis.

Celebrex was an advancement in pain medication since it reduces the side effects on the gastrointestinal tract which other NSAIDs are known for. The drug’s effect is estimated to be similar with paracetamol. Celebrex is owned by Pfizer which sells it in pill form. Just like any other drug, it has physical and mental side effects that can lead to Celebrex depression.

How Does Celebrex Work?

Celebrex inhibits only COX-2 or cyclooxygenase 2 which is different from traditional NSAIDs which inhibit COX-1 and COX-2. The highly selective trait of the drug allows it to minimize inflammation, pain and adverse effects in the gastrointestinal tract. As COX-2 is controlled, prostaglandin synthesis which is responsible for pain experiences is also managed. Users will then experience lessened pain reactions as Celebrex takes effect. Celebrex is 7.6 times more selective compared to traditional NSAIDS. It is also very effective in treating polyps reducing recurrence by as much as 33% to 45%.

Can Celebrex Cause Depression?

The drawback however, is that when prostaglandin synthesis is inhibit too much, it can lead to a variety of side effects like muscle spasm or tension, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, fatigability, anxiety, mood swings and depression. Since the body and brain is not stimulated enough to produce appropriate reactions, uptake of neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for mood and feelings are also affected.

For adults, 100 to 200 mg once or twice daily is enough. Individuals should not take more than the prescribed dose to avoid adverse effects. Also, substance and drug interaction with Celebrex can lead to a variety of symptoms including anxiety and depressed mood which can affect physical ability as well.

Common Side Effects

Physical side effects associated with Celebrex are back pain, peripheral edema, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, sinusitis, rhinitis and skin rash. Psychological effects include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, easy fatigability, mood swings and depression.

Certain drugs should also be watched out for like fluconazole which concentrates the drug more. Celecoxib may also diminish the effects of ACE inhibitors. Certain individuals like pregnant and lactating women, asthmatic patients, individuals hypersensitive to the drug and anemic patients should also be careful when taking the drug.

How to Avoid Celebrex Depression

Celebrex depression can easily be avoided by being cautious about noticeable side effects. Report all changes to your physician including the adverse ones. Also check all present conditions that you have and avoid taking substances that can lead to altered efficacy of the drug like drinking alcohol and smoking.

There are suggestions that Celebrex may be effective in treating cancer and hypertension as well although theories are still under investigation. Couple celecoxib with a healthy diet to maximize its effects and to avoid the symptoms associated with the development of mental and emotional changes.