Can you take Tylenol and Gabapentin together?

Can you take Tylenol and Gabapentin together?

Yes, you can take Tylenol and Gabapentin together and it’s absolutely safe to do so. Tylenol contains Acetaminophen, which is the safest painkiller and fever reducer (1). 

Gabapentin, on the other hand, is intended to be used for moderate to severe types of nerve pain (2), whereas Acetaminophen is usually not strong enough to be used for nerve pains. 

Acetaminophen and Gabapentin work in different ways, bind to different receptors and have different side effect profiles (1,2). Therefore, they don’t interact with one another or cause any additive side effects. 

Tylenol is available over the counter in almost every part of the world. Gabapentin is a prescription medication and you should only use it if recommended by your healthcare provider. 

You can use Tylenol for the following reasons while using Gabapentin: (1)

  • Fever
  • Pains – like headaches, body pain, etc.
  • Menstrual cramps

What medications should be avoided with Gabapentin?

Some medications that should be avoided or used with caution while taking Gabapentin include (2,3):

  • Opioids: Combining Gabapentin with opioids, such as codeine, morphine, or oxycodone, may increase the risk of central nervous system depression and respiratory problems.
  • Benzodiazepines: Taking Gabapentin along with benzodiazepines, like lorazepam or diazepam, can intensify sedation and drowsiness.
  • Antacids: Some antacids containing aluminium or magnesium can decrease the absorption of Gabapentin, reducing its effectiveness.
  • Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while on Gabapentin can enhance its sedative effects, causing drowsiness and impaired coordination.
  • Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants, especially those with sedative properties like amitriptyline or duloxetine, may interact with Gabapentin and lead to excessive drowsiness.
  • Sleep aids: Avoid combining Gabapentin with sleep aids, as it may heighten the sedative effects and increase the risk of respiratory issues.
  • Anti-seizure medications: Taking other anti-seizure drugs with Gabapentin, like Lyrica, can increase the likelihood of side effects or interactions.
  • NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen or naproxen, may affect the way Gabapentin works and cause stomach problems.

Final words

To sum up, Tylenol can be safely taken with Gabapentin for common ailments, as the two medications don’t interact with one another. However, there are plenty of other medications which should be avoided while using Gabapentin. 

Make sure you properly follow your doctor’s directions when it comes to using Gabapentin. If your symptoms persist, talk to your doctor.

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References

1.-

Gerriets V, Anderson J, Nappe TM. Acetaminophen. 2022 Sep 18. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29493991. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482369

2.-

Yasaei R, Katta S, Saadabadi A. Gabapentin. 2022 Dec 19. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29630280. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493228

3.-

PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 3446, Gabapentin; [cited 2023 July 20]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Gabapentin