Can I take Aspirin and Quetiapine together?

Why this happens

Aspirin thins the blood and can irritate the stomach lining, while quetiapine can sometimes interfere with how platelets (the cells that help blood clot) work. Additionally, both medications can cause a drop in blood pressure when standing, which may lead to dizziness.

What you should do

You should use this combination with caution. Watch for signs of unusual bleeding, such as easy bruising, dark or 'tarry' stools, or coughing up blood. To avoid dizziness, try to stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position. If you have a history of stomach ulcers, speak to your doctor before taking aspirin.

Important precautions

Asthma

Do not take aspirin if you have a history of asthma triggered by aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as it can cause a life-threatening asthma attack.

Children and teenagers under 16

Never give aspirin to children or teenagers under 16 unless specifically prescribed by a doctor, due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but fatal condition affecting the brain and liver.

Suicidal thoughts and self-harm

Quetiapine can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or self-harm, particularly in young adults (under 25). You must tell someone you trust or seek medical help immediately if your mood changes or you have thoughts of hurting yourself.

Heart disease (specifically heart rhythm disorders)

Quetiapine can affect your heart rhythm (QT prolongation). This risk is higher if you already have heart disease or take other medicines that affect the heart. Seek immediate medical help if you experience palpitations, fainting, or a racing heartbeat.

Drowsiness and impaired coordination

Quetiapine causes significant drowsiness and can affect your balance. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you, and be careful to avoid falls, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position.

Diabetes and blood sugar control

Quetiapine can cause a significant increase in blood sugar levels, even if you are not diabetic. If you have diabetes, you must monitor your blood sugar more closely as your medication dose may need adjusting.

Food and drink warnings

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking aspirin increases the risk of developing stomach irritation, ulcers, and bleeding in the digestive tract. It is best to limit or avoid alcohol.

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking quetiapine. Combining alcohol with this medicine can significantly increase drowsiness and dizziness, making you more likely to fall or have an accident. Both substances are processed by the liver, and combining them can put extra strain on your system.

Grapefruit juice

You should avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while taking quetiapine. Grapefruit contains compounds that interfere with how your body breaks down this medicine. This can cause the levels of quetiapine in your blood to rise to potentially dangerous levels, increasing the risk of serious side effects.

Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, Energy Drinks)

Caffeine can interfere with how quetiapine works. It may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine or worsen certain side effects like restlessness. If you consume a lot of caffeine, talk to your doctor before making any sudden changes to your intake, as this can also affect your medicine levels.

High-fat meals

If you are taking the extended-release (XL) version of quetiapine, you should avoid taking it with a very heavy or high-fat meal. This can cause the medicine to be absorbed into your system too quickly (known as 'dose dumping'), which increases the risk of side effects. It is usually best to take it without food or with a light snack.

Using other medicines

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.