Can You Take Ibuprofen With Gabapentin Safely?

Gabapentin and ibuprofen are members of two separate drug classes. One is an anticonvulsant and the other is an NSAID. There are no known drug interactions between ibuprofen and gabapentin, so they may be safe to take together. However, it’s never recommended to mix any medications without first consulting a physician. It’s essential to learn about the side effects and potential risks of each medication before taking it.

What Is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is an FDA-approved drug primarily used to treat seizures, nerve pain resulting from shingles, and restless leg syndrome. [1] It is part of a class of drugs known as anticonvulsants and is available by prescription only. Brand names of the drug include Neurontin, Gralise, and Horizant.

Taking Gabapentin

Gabapentin is available in both liquid and pill form. Gabapentin doses can range from 100 mg to 800 mg per tablet, with total daily doses often exceeding 1800 mg, depending on the condition. Only take gabapentin as prescribed by a doctor. It is sometimes recommended that you take gabapentin with food. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Gabapentin Drug Interactions

According to Drugs.com, 270 different drugs may interact with gabapentin.[2] It’s crucial to tell your doctor about any other medications you’re taking, including those prescribed as well as any over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and recreational drugs.

Some common interactions occur with gabapentin when taken with: [3]

• Ambien
• Cymbalta
• Lexapro
• Prozac
• Xanax
• Norco
• Zoloft
• Zyrtec
• Lyrica
• Benadryl

Taking gabapentin with certain types of medications, including opioids, anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, and antihistamines, can be particularly dangerous, causing breathing problems and extreme drowsiness. If you experience shallow or slow breathing, confusion, unresponsiveness, or blue discoloration on your lips, fingers, or toes, call 911 immediately.

Gabapentin Side Effects

In addition to drug interactions, it’s important to be aware of common side effects of gabapentin, including: [4]

• Fever
• Nausea
• Weight gain
• Memory loss
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Speech problems
• Headache
• Double vision
• Unusual eye movements

Some of the less common, but severe side effects of gabapentin include allergic reactions, liver problems, kidney damage, and suicidal behavior.

Other Gabapentin Dangers

Gabapentin is considered a controlled substance in several states due to concerns about misuse and dependence, though it is not classified as a controlled substance at the federal level. [5] Still, it is possible to overdose on gabapentin, and there are other serious risks as well. This medication should only be taken with a prescription and used with caution.

Alcohol Warning

It is important to tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or have a history of alcohol misuse before taking gabapentin. Mixing alcohol with gabapentin can increase the risk and severity of potential side effects like dizziness or sleepiness. [6] If you struggle to control your alcohol use, consider reaching out to an addiction treatment program for assistance.

Who Should Avoid Gabapentin?

Gabapentin isn’t suitable for everyone. If you fit into one of the following categories, you may want to avoid taking gabapentin and talk to your doctor about alternatives: [7]

• Pregnant women (or those who plan to become pregnant)
• People with depression or other mood disorders
• Those with a history of suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Those with a history of alcohol or drug abuse
• People with respiratory problems
• People with diabetes
• People on dialysis
• People with kidney issues

Follow Instructions Carefully

When taking gabapentin, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Never increase, decrease, or stop your prescribed dose without consulting your doctor. Don’t drive after taking gabapentin until you know how the medication affects you.

What Is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. It’s available over the counter or by prescription and is FDA-approved for the relief of mild to moderate pain. Ibuprofen is also known as the brand names Motrin, Advil, and Midol.

Taking Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is not always taken as a prescription drug. It’s available over the counter, which may lead some people to believe it’s safe to use. However, there are risks and side effects to consider when taking ibuprofen. As a general guideline, consult your healthcare provider before taking any new medications.

Ibuprofen Drug Interactions

According to Drugs.com, 415 medications may interact with ibuprofen, causing adverse effects. Gabapentin is not on this list, but there are many others, including: [8]

• Aspirin
• Aleve (naproxen)
• Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Azithromycin
• Diphenhydramine
• Lexapro
• Prozac
• Zoloft
• Fish oil
• Cymbalta

This is just a small sample of the possible drug interactions that can occur with ibuprofen, so it’s important to seek medical advice before taking this medication.

Ibuprofen Side Effects

As with most drugs, ibuprofen comes with a long list of potential side effects. Not everyone experiences them, but it’s important to be aware of these possible adverse effects associated with ibuprofen: [9]

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Nervousness
• Dizziness
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Weight gain
• Diarrhea
• Shortness of breath
• Increased heart rate
• Back pain
• Flu-like symptoms

Some side effects are more dangerous than others. If you experience severe symptoms or side effects that persist for more than a few days, discontinue use of ibuprofen and consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Other Ibuprofen Dangers

Although the risk of dependency on ibuprofen is considered very low, you can still overdose if you take too much of the drug or combine it with other medications, particularly other painkillers. Moreover, some people shouldn’t take ibuprofen.

Signs of Overdose

When taking ibuprofen, it’s important to be aware of the following signs of an overdose in yourself or a loved one: [10]

• Severe fatigue or drowsiness
• Blue color around the fingers, toes, or lips
• Rapid, uncontrollable eye movements
• Nausea or vomiting
• Breathing difficulties
• Stomach pain

If you become aware of any of these signs of ibuprofen overdose, call 911 or contact the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

Who Should Avoid Ibuprofen?

Even though it’s widely available, ibuprofen isn’t right for everyone. Avoid ibuprofen and ask your doctor about alternative pain medication if you fall into one of the following categories: [11]

• Pregnant women (or planning a pregnancy)
• People who are 75 years of age or older
• People taking other pain medications
• People allergic to NSAIDs
• People with liver or kidney disease
• People with asthma
• People with lupus

Seek Medical Advice First

While no direct pharmacological interaction exists between gabapentin and ibuprofen, both drugs can affect renal function, particularly in individuals with preexisting kidney disease, the elderly, or those on nephrotoxic medications. Talk to your doctor before taking ibuprofen, gabapentin, or a combination of the two. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications, drugs, or herbal supplements you’re taking to avoid dangerous interactions.