Can you take Tylenol and gabapentin together?

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 you take Tylenol and gabapentin together?
    Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
  • 2 months ago
  • 4968 views

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: Mar 05, 2018 Last Updated: Oct 27, 2019

In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not there is an interaction between gabapentin and Tylenol (acetaminophen).

Feb 28, 2018

Sandy asked

Can you take gabapentin and Tylenol together? I want to make sure they are safe.

Answer

Gabapentin (brand name Neurontin) is an anticonvulsant used to treat seizures, post-herpetic neuralgia (complication of shingles) and other conditions. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is an analgesic used for the treatment of pain and fever.  Both medications can be taken together and there is no interaction between the them.  

Gabapentin Information

Gabapentin is an anti-convulsant that works directly on nerves. It affects chemicals and nerves in the body to treat seizures and certain types of pain like nerve pain like diabetic neuropathy or post-herpetic pain caused by the herpes or shingles virus (herpes zoster). 

While gabapentin is classified as an anticonvulsant used in the treatment of seizures and post-herpetic neuralgia, it is often used for off-label treatment of other conditions.  Off-label use is when a drug is used for an unapproved indication and has not been approved by the FDA for that indication.  Off-label uses of gabapentin include:

  • Treatment of alcohol dependence
  • Alcohol withdrawal
  • Chronic cough
  • Diabetic neuropathy
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Hiccups
  • Hot flashes
  • Neuropathic pain
  • Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Uremic pruritus- Chronic itching in patients with advanced renal disease

Tylenol Information

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is most commonly use in the treatment of pain or fever. Tylenol (acetaminophen) has been associated with acute liver failure.  Doses should not exceed 4 grams daily in adults. Be careful when combining with other medications that contain acetaminophen so as to not exceed the 4 grams maximum daily dose. Caution should also be used in patients with renal (kidney) impairment, hepatic (liver) impairment, chronic malnutrition, dehydration and alcoholic liver disease.

Summary

There are no known interactions between gabapentin and Tylenol (acetaminophen). It is considered safe to take both medications together. As Tylenol and gabapentin treat different types of pain, it is not uncommon to use both together.

Can you take Tylenol and gabapentin together?

Ms. Jennifer Hauder RPh

Jennifer Hauder is a registered pharmacist in the state of Illinois. She has over 10 years experience as a pharmacist in the retail and pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) settings. She became a pharmacist due to her interest in healthcare and the opportunity to help others with their healthcare needs. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, three children and two black labs Lucky and Charms.

Ready for a more personal experience with your meds?

Is it OK to take extra strength Tylenol with gabapentin?

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

Can I take ibuprofen or Tylenol 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 drugs 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..

What is the best painkiller to take with gabapentin?

Some common combinations of gabapentin and OTC medications for allergy relief and pain relief include: Gabapentin and Tylenol (acetaminophen) Gabapentin and Advil (ibuprofen)