Drug interactions
Naproxen + Paroxetine
Severity: Moderate
Naproxen 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
Paroxetine combined with naproxen increases the risk of bleeding, especially upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The risk is higher in older adults and those with prior ulcers.
What this interaction means in plain words
Naproxen 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.
Naproxen belongs to Musculoskeletal; Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
SSRI depletion of platelet serotonin impairs aggregation, adding to NSAID antiplatelet effects and gastric mucosal damage.
What to do
Consider a proton pump inhibitor for gastroprotection and monitor for GI bleeding signs. Use the lowest effective NSAID dose, or choose paracetamol where suitable.
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 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 Naproxen with Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Naproxen 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. Paroxetine combined with naproxen increases the risk of bleeding, especially upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The risk is higher in older adults and those with prior ulcers.
How serious is the interaction between Naproxen 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: Consider a proton pump inhibitor for gastroprotection and monitor for GI bleeding signs. Use the lowest effective NSAID dose, or choose paracetamol where suitable.
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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