Can I Take These?

Can You Take Escitalopram and Ibuprofen Together?

Escitalopram's FDA label names NSAIDs like ibuprofen directly as adding to a documented bleeding-risk warning.

Use cautionEvidence: High

See the full Escitalopram page and Ibuprofen page for other reviewed interactions and reference information.

What the interaction means

Escitalopram's FDA prescribing information, Section 5.7, "Increased Risk of Bleeding," states: "Drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake inhibition, including escitalopram, increase the risk of bleeding events. Concomitant use of aspirin, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, and other anticoagulants may add to the risk." Escitalopram's MedlinePlus page separately names ibuprofen directly: "the following nonprescription or herbal products may interact with escitalopram: aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin® IB), naproxen (Aleve®), St. John's wort, or tryptophan." Ibuprofen's own MedlinePlus page separately instructs telling the doctor about SSRIs before taking ibuprofen.

Why it may happen

Escitalopram, an SSRI, reduces platelets' ability to take up serotonin, which impairs platelet aggregation; combined with ibuprofen's own antiplatelet and GI-irritant effects as an NSAID, the two mechanisms add to overall bleeding risk.

Practical context

Anyone taking escitalopram who also uses ibuprofen, including OTC use for pain or fever, should be aware of this bleeding-risk warning named directly on escitalopram's FDA label and discuss regular use with their prescriber, watching for unusual bruising or bleeding.

What the sources say

Escitalopram — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of MedicineIbuprofen — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of MedicineEscitalopram Oxalate Tablets — FDA Prescribing Information — Legacy Pharmaceutical Packaging, LLC / Cipla Ltd. (via DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine)

Last reviewed 2026-08-24

Medical information disclaimer: this information is general and educational. It does not diagnose conditions, prescribe treatment, or determine whether a combination is safe for you personally. Follow your prescription label and ask a pharmacist or clinician before starting, stopping, or combining products. Full disclaimer.

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