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Can you take Advil® / Motrin® with Lexapro®?

Evidence-based interaction check between Advil® / Motrin® and Lexapro®

ModerateEditorially reviewed · last updated April 15, 2025

Use with caution and monitor for the effects below.

Increased risk of upper GI bleeding (black/tarry stools, coffee-ground vomit), bruising, and minor mucosal bleeding (nosebleeds, gum bleeding). The risk roughly doubles compared with NSAID alone.

Why this happens (mechanism)

SSRIs like escitalopram (Lexapro) reduce serotonin reuptake in platelets, impairing their ability to aggregate and form clots. Combined with the platelet and gastric-mucosal effects of NSAIDs like ibuprofen, the chance of GI bleeding goes up.

What to monitor

  • Stool color and any GI symptoms (heartburn, abdominal pain)
  • Easy bruising or unusual bleeding
  • Hemoglobin if combined use is chronic

Dose adjustment

No SSRI dose change; minimize NSAID use and prefer the lowest effective NSAID dose for the shortest duration. Add a proton pump inhibitor if both must be taken regularly.

Safer alternatives to consider

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Does not impair platelet function; preferred analgesic in patients on SSRIs.

Topical NSAID (diclofenac gel)

Lower systemic NSAID exposure for joint pain.

Always discuss alternatives with your prescriber before making any change. The right choice depends on your other medications, conditions, and what is working for you today.

Evidence and sources

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1 interaction found

Moderate

Both SSRIs and NSAIDs impair platelet function independently, combined use increases GI bleeding risk by 15×.

View Advil® / Motrin® View Lexapro®

What this means

This summary is based on published interaction data from FDA prescribing information and clinical literature. It does not account for individual health factors, dosages, or other medications you may be taking. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your medication regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to take Advil® / Motrin® with Lexapro®?

Use with caution and monitor for the effects below. Increased risk of upper GI bleeding (black/tarry stools, coffee-ground vomit), bruising, and minor mucosal bleeding (nosebleeds, gum bleeding). The risk roughly doubles compared with NSAID alone. Always discuss your full medication list with your prescriber.

What happens if you take Advil® / Motrin® and Lexapro® together?

SSRIs like escitalopram (Lexapro) reduce serotonin reuptake in platelets, impairing their ability to aggregate and form clots. Combined with the platelet and gastric-mucosal effects of NSAIDs like ibuprofen, the chance of GI bleeding goes up.

What should I monitor if I take both?

Stool color and any GI symptoms (heartburn, abdominal pain). Easy bruising or unusual bleeding. Hemoglobin if combined use is chronic.