Drug interactions
Fluoxetine + Naproxen
Severity: Moderate
Fluoxetine and Naproxen: 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 SSRI with an NSAID raises the risk of bleeding, especially from the upper gastrointestinal tract, beyond that of either drug alone. The risk is greater in older patients and those with prior ulcers or on anticoagulants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fluoxetine and Naproxen 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.
Fluoxetine belongs to Central Nervous System; Naproxen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
SSRIs deplete platelet serotonin and impair platelet aggregation while NSAIDs inhibit platelet cyclooxygenase and damage gastric mucosa, giving additive bleeding risk.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible or add gastroprotection with a proton pump inhibitor in at-risk patients. Counsel patients to report black stools, hematemesis or unusual bruising.
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 Naproxen
- Ketorolac intranasal + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Naproxen Major
- Acemetacin + Naproxen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Naproxen Major
- Alteplase + Naproxen Major
Other interactions of Fluoxetine
- Fluoxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fluoxetine with Naproxen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fluoxetine and Naproxen 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 SSRI with an NSAID raises the risk of bleeding, especially from the upper gastrointestinal tract, beyond that of either drug alone. The risk is greater in older patients and those with prior ulcers or on anticoagulants.
How serious is the interaction between Fluoxetine and Naproxen?
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 the combination where possible or add gastroprotection with a proton pump inhibitor in at-risk patients. Counsel patients to report black stools, hematemesis or unusual bruising.
What other medicines interact with Naproxen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Naproxen with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Naproxen page.
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