Can I Take These?

Can You Take Ibuprofen and Sertraline Together?

Sertraline's FDA label names NSAIDs like ibuprofen directly as increasing bleeding risk when combined.

Use cautionEvidence: High

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

What the interaction means

Sertraline's FDA prescribing information states in Section 5.3, "Increased Risk of Bleeding": "Concomitant use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, and other anticoagulants may add to this risk." Section 7.1, "Clinically Significant Drug Interactions," reinforces this bleeding-risk guidance for concomitant antiplatelet/hemostasis-affecting drugs. Ibuprofen's own MedlinePlus page separately instructs telling the doctor before combining ibuprofen with SSRIs.

Why it may happen

Sertraline, 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 sertraline who also uses ibuprofen, including OTC use, should be aware of the additive bleeding-risk warning on sertraline's label and discuss regular use with their prescriber, watching for unusual bruising or bleeding.

What the sources say

Sertraline Hydrochloride Tablets — FDA Prescribing Information — Via DailyMed, U.S. National Library of MedicineIbuprofen — MedlinePlus, 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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