Drug interactions
Diclofenac + Paroxetine
Severity: Moderate
Diclofenac and Paroxetine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Combining an NSAID with an SSRI raises the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding above that of either drug alone. The risk is greatest in older adults and those with prior ulcers or on anticoagulants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diclofenac and Paroxetine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Diclofenac belongs to Musculoskeletal; Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
SSRIs deplete platelet serotonin and impair platelet aggregation, while diclofenac inhibits platelet thromboxane and damages gastric mucosa, producing additive bleeding risk.
What to do
Avoid prolonged coadministration where possible and consider gastroprotection with a proton pump inhibitor in at-risk patients. Counsel patients to report black stools or hematemesis.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Diclofenac
- Diclofenac + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Diclofenac + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Diclofenac Major
- Acemetacin + Diclofenac Major
- Alteplase + Diclofenac Major
- Amiloride + Diclofenac Major
Other interactions of Paroxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diclofenac with Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diclofenac and Paroxetine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Combining an NSAID with an SSRI raises the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding above that of either drug alone. The risk is greatest in older adults and those with prior ulcers or on anticoagulants.
How serious is the interaction between Diclofenac and Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid prolonged coadministration where possible and consider gastroprotection with a proton pump inhibitor in at-risk patients. Counsel patients to report black stools or hematemesis.
What other medicines interact with Diclofenac?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diclofenac with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Diclofenac page.
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