Taking Neurontin (Gabapentin) With Ibuprofen

Answer

There are no drug interactions between ibuprofen (Advil) and gabapentin (Neurontin). Both are types of pain medications, but work differently and treat different types of pain.

In fact, some studies evaluating both of these drugs have found that their combined use can be more effective in treating certain types of pain than either alone:

Gabapentin and ibuprofen independently alter the facilitated state as measured by somatomotor and autonomic response. Together these agents interact in an additive fashion if delivered concurrently. This combination may prove useful in managing postinjury pain states in humans.

Below, we will discuss more information about each of these medications.

Gabapentin Info

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.

Ibuprofen Info

NSAIDs work by inhibiting an enzyme known as cyclooxygenase (COX).

There are two types of COX, known as COX-1 and COX-2. COX-2 has a more prominent role in the inflammation cascade.

Ibuprofen is considered non-selective and inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2. Drugs within the NSAID class differ based on the difference in selectivity, which can make a difference in the side effect profile and utility of these drugs.

All NSAIDs, including ibuprofen (Advil), can cause upset stomach, diarrhea, heartburn, and constipation (usually in less than 10% of patients).

Also, caution is advised in patients with previous cardiac and GI conditions which may increase the risk of worsening their condition.

Additionally, caution should be taken while taking other blood thinners like warfarin, apixaban (Eliquis), clopidogrel (Plavix), or heparin products.

Final Words

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