Does trazodone interact with naproxen? (+3 precautions)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss the potential interactions between trazodone and naproxen sodium. We will understand the safety profiles between the trazodone and naproxen sodium. Furthermore, we will look at some precautionary measures to avoid such interactions.
Does trazodone interact with naproxen?
Trazodone may react with naproxen sodium. Taking these medications concomitantly may require careful monitoring. Taking trazodone and naproxen together may cause severe central nervous system depression leading to excessive drowsiness and sedation.
Trazodone belongs to the serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors class of antidepressant drugs. It is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of the major depressive disorder. It is used off-label for anxiety, fibromyalgia, and substance abuse (1).
Naproxen sodium belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is an over-the-counter medication that has been approved by the FDA to treat acute gout, osteoarthritis, and primary dysmenorrhea. It is also used off-label to treat migraine pains (2).
Taking trazodone and naproxen sodium in combination can increase the chance of interactions. It may cause impaired cognitive and motor skills. Taking them concomitantly may exacerbate their side effects. Therefore, always take these two drugs together under your doctor’s guidance and supervision.
How do trazodone and naproxen interact?
Trazodone and naproxen may interact based on their mechanism of action. This interaction between the two medications may cause increased side effects and cause depression in the central nervous system.
Trazodone alters the serotonin mechanism in the brain and causes excessive drowsiness and sleepiness. Naproxen sodium also alters the serotonin mechanism and may cause synergistic effects (1,2).
Trazodone and naproxen sodium are associated with gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and upset stomach. Naproxen sodium which is an NSAID, is commonly associated with the risk of bleeding particularly in the gastrointestinal system (2,3)
Taking naproxen with trazodone, which also possesses anticoagulant effects to an extent, can exacerbate bleeding in patients. Therefore, it is better not to take these medications concomitantly, particularly for patients with a risk of bleeding.
What are the potential side effects of trazodone and naproxen?
Some potential common side effects of taking trazodone and naproxen sodium are (3,4):
| Common side effects | Trazodone | Naproxen sodium |
|
Lightheadedness |
Yes | Yes |
|
Constipation |
Yes | Yes |
|
Dizziness/sleepiness |
Yes | Yes |
|
Cold symptoms |
Yes | Yes |
|
Dry mouth |
Yes | Yes |
The above-mentioned are some common side effects due to trazodone and naproxen sodium. Taking these drugs in combination may exacerbate these side effects and cause synergistic effects.
Therefore, it is not a common practice to take trazodone and naproxen sodium together. If your doctor prescribes these drugs together, and you experience exacerbated side effects, consult your doctor immediately.
What precautions should be taken with trazodone and naproxen?
To avoid potential interactions between trazodone and naproxen sodium, it is important to take precautionary measures.
Consult your healthcare provider
First and foremost, you must consult your healthcare provider if you suspect severe side effects due to the concomitant administration of trazodone and naproxen. Your doctor must perform a detailed assessment of your signs and symptoms and may advise you accordingly.
You must always follow the prescribed dosages and frequencies of these drugs prescribed by your doctor otherwise, it may cause severe adversities. Your doctor must always weigh benefits over risks before prescribing this drug combination to avoid potential interactions.
Change medication timing
To avoid interactions between trazodone and naproxen, your doctor may alter the medication time. You should not take trazodone and naproxen at the same time to avoid interactions.
Trazodone must not be taken in the morning to avoid excessive sedation and drowsiness, so you must be prescribed to take it at night time.
Whereas, naproxen takes about an hour to start kicking in for pain relief. You must take it as prescribed by your doctor but not at the same time as trazodone to avoid drug-drug interactions.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine consumption
You must also avoid consuming alcohol with trazodone or naproxen to avoid excessive sedation and drowsiness. Taking caffeine with naproxen also results in excessive side effects therefore, you must also avoid caffeine consumption with these drugs to avoid potential interactions.
In the end, I would recommend avoiding this drug combination but if necessary, you may take trazodone and naproxen sodium under your doctor’s guidance and supervision to avoid potential adversities.
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References
1.-
Shin JJ, Saadabadi A. Trazodone. [Updated 2022 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470560/
2.-
Brutzkus JC, Shahrokhi M, Varacallo M. Naproxen. [Updated 2023 Aug 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525965/
3.-
AHFS Patient Medication Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc.; c2019. Naproxen; [updated 2020 Jun 24; reviewed 2018 Jul 5; cited 2020 Jul 1]; [about 5 p.]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681029.html
4.-
AHFS Patient Medication Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc.; c2019. Trazodone; [updated 2020 Jun 24; reviewed 2018 Jul 5; cited 2020 Jul 1]; [about 5 p.]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681038.html
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