Can I Take lexapro and ibuprofen Together?

SUMMARY:

Taking escitalopram (Lexapro) with ibuprofen can increase the risk of bleeding (especially gastrointestinal bleeding or easy bruising), with higher risk in older adults or people with kidney/liver disease or who also use other blood-thinning medicines.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Mechanism: SSRIs (escitalopram) reduce serotonin uptake into platelets impairing platelet function; NSAIDs (ibuprofen) inhibit platelet function and can damage the GI mucosa — the combination increases bleeding risk. Watch for signs such as unusual bruising, black/tarry stools, vomiting blood, or prolonged bleeding from cuts. Risk is greater with older age, history of ulcers/GI bleed, concurrent anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy, chronic high-dose NSAID use, alcohol use, or impaired kidney/liver function. Discuss alternatives and monitoring with a healthcare provider if chronic pain control is needed.