Ami asked
I just started on Paxil not too long ago and am looking for a pain reliever that is safe. Can I take Tylenol?
At a glance
- Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe to take with Paxil (paroxetine) and is generally preferred over the use of NSAIDs, which can increase the risk of GI bleeds.
Answer
It is safe to take Tylenol (acetaminophen) with Paxil (paroxetine). There are no drug interactions between the two medications.
In fact, Tylenol is considered to be the preferred pain reliever in those taking an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), like Paxil.
NSAIDs, another class of over the counter pain reliever that includes Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) are generally not recommended and can increase the risk of adverse reactions if taken with Paxil.
Multiple studies, including a large meta-analysis, found that combined use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (like Paxil) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
SSRIs inhibit serotonin uptake by platelets, which augments the existing antiplatelet effects of NSAIDs.
To add to this, NSAIDs also decrease the protective mucus lining of the GI tract by reducing prostaglandin formation. This also increases the risk of GI bleeding, especially with long term use.
Therefore, for most individuals, Tylenol is the pain reliever that would be recommended to use in those taking Paxil.
References
- ClinicalKey: Acetaminophen Monograph. ClinicalKey
- ClinicalKey: Paroxetine Monograph. ClinicalKey
- Use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed
