Can I take Tylenol with gabapentin 300mg

Question

Asked by Izzy

Can I Take Gabapentin With Tylenol?

I am currently taking 300mg Gabapentin, but it does not help with my chronic pain located in my hips and left leg. Would it be safe to take some Tylenol with the Gabapentin?

Answer

You're wise to check on drug interactions before taking them. As a general rule, I think the best place to go for an answer like this is to check with your pharmacist:

Your pharmacist: An often overlooked health professional

But it looks like this should be okay, assuming you're taking both medications correctly. It's important to use Tylenol carefully, of course, but my research has shown no drug interactions between these meds.

You should know: The answer above provides general health information that is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment recommendations from a qualified healthcare professional.

Published Aug 29, 2022
Last updated Aug 29, 2022

Key points

  • There is no drug interaction between Tylenol and gabapentin. They are considered safe to take together.

Answer

There are no drug interactions between acetaminophen (Tylenol) and gabapentin (Neurontin). Both are types of pain medications, but work differently and treat different types of pain. Below, we will discuss more information about each of these medications.

Information About Acetaminophen

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is an analgesic that can be taken for a wide variety of acute and chronic pain ailments. Acetaminophen has a half-life of 2-3 hours.

Acetaminophen gets absorbed at 85-98% and reaches peak concentrations within 30-60 minutes. Typically, acetaminophen can start working within 15 minutes. Taking this medication with food slightly decreases the peak effect.

Acetaminophen can have negative impacts on the liver, especially at higher doses for an extended period of time.

Most cases of liver injury are with doses greater than 4 grams per day and the risk increases in patients with pre-existing liver conditions or alcoholism. As acetaminophen is a common ingredient in over-the-counter medications, it is important to understand how much is being taken.

Information About Gabapentin

Gabapentin reduces anxiety, pain, and seizure activity by binding to receptors in the central nervous system tissues. Gabapentin is structurally related to GABA, a brain chemical that generally has a depressive or slowing effect. The half-life of gabapentin is about 6 hours.

Gabapentin was first approved by the FDA in 1993 for seizures and in 2002 for nerve pain associated with Shingles. Usually, the dose for gabapentin is titrated over time to find the right dose and may be given up to three times daily. Gabapentin can cause drowsiness, fatigue, and headache in some patients.

Summary

While both acetaminophen and gabapentin can be used for pain, these medications work differently and there is no known risk to taking these together. Acetaminophen is typically used to treat a wide variety of ailments including headaches, osteoarthritis, and dental pain. Gabapentin is better for neuropathic pain including fibromyalgia and restless leg syndrome. 

References

  • Neurontin Prescribing Information, AccessFDA
  • Acetaminophen Prescribing Information, PubChem

  • Can I take Tylenol with gabapentin 300mg
    Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
  • 1 month ago
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Can I take Tylenol with gabapentin 300mg

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Before you start taking gabapentin it's important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines.

Gabapentin medicine interactions

Here are some of the key medicines which may interact with gabapentin:

• Painkillers

It's fine to take non-prescription painkillers like paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin with gabapentin, assuming these are appropriate for you.

Strong painkillers containing opiates such as morphine can increase the absorption of gabapentin, which may increase the side effects such as tiredness and dizziness if taken together.

• Contraceptives

Gabapentin does not affect hormonal contraceptives such as the pill.

• Indigestion remedies

Antacid medicines containing aluminium or magnesium may reduce the absorption of gabapentin from the gut. Antacids should not be taken at the same time as a dose of gabapentin. It is advised that you should leave two hours before or after a dose of gabapentin before taking an antacid.

• Antidepressants and antipsychotic medicines

Some types of antidepressants such as tricyclic and SSRI antidepressants can oppose the anti-convulsant effect of gabapentin.

• Herbal products

It's recommended that people who are taking any antiepileptic medicines should avoid taking the herbal remedy St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). This is because St John's wort may affect the level of antiepileptic medicines in the blood and so could increase the risk of seizures.

Gabapentin may cause false-positive results for protein urine dipstick testing, which is can be used to test for urinary tract infections.

Read more information about gabapentin

    Last updated: 07.02.2020

    Can you take extra strength Tylenol while taking gabapentin?

    Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between gabapentin and Tylenol Extra Strength.

    What pain reliever can I take with gabapentin?

    Painkillers. It's fine to take non-prescription painkillers like paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin with gabapentin, assuming these are appropriate for you.

    What medicines should not be taken with gabapentin?

    Cautions with other medicines.
    strong painkillers, such as morphine – these can make you very tired and dizzy when you start taking gabapentin..
    antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or fluoxetine..
    antipsychotic medicines for mental health problems like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder..

    Is it OK to take Tylenol Arthritis with gabapentin?

    Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between gabapentin and Tylenol Arthritis Pain.