Can I take Aspirin and Sertraline together?

Using aspirin and sertraline together may increase the risk of bleeding. You should only take them together if your doctor has specifically told you to.

Why this happens

Sertraline belongs to a group of antidepressants (SSRIs) that can lower the amount of serotonin in your blood platelets, which are the cells responsible for clotting.

Aspirin also thins the blood by preventing these platelets from sticking together. When used together, their effects combine, making it much harder for your blood to clot if a blood vessel is damaged.

How to take aspirin and sertraline safely

• If you must take both, watch out for signs of bleeding such as unusual bruising, nosebleeds, or dark poo (stools).

• If you experience severe stomach pain or vomit blood (which may look like coffee grounds), seek medical help immediately.

• Your doctor may suggest taking a 'stomach protector' medicine (such as omeprazole) to reduce the risk of ulcers.

Important precautions

Depression and anxiety disorders

You may experience an increase in suicidal thoughts or the urge to self-harm when first starting sertraline or changing the dose. This is more common in young adults under 25. Contact your doctor or go to hospital immediately if you notice any changes in your mood or behaviour.

Increased bleeding risk

Taking aspirin and sertraline together significantly increases your risk of serious stomach bleeding. Seek urgent medical help if you vomit blood or pass black, tarry stools.

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.

Low sodium (hyponatraemia)

Sertraline can cause a dangerous drop in blood sodium levels, particularly in the elderly. Seek medical advice if you experience persistent confusion, muscle weakness, or seizures.

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.

Food and drink warnings

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking aspirin increases the risk of irritation and bleeding in your stomach and digestive tract. It is best to limit or avoid alcohol, especially if you take aspirin regularly.

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking sertraline. Combining alcohol with this medicine can increase side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Additionally, both alcohol and sertraline can affect your mood, potentially making symptoms of depression or anxiety worse.

Caffeine

Sertraline can sometimes increase the effects of caffeine in your body. This may lead to feeling more jittery, anxious, or having difficulty sleeping. Monitor your caffeine intake to see how it affects you.

Grapefruit Juice

Grapefruit juice can increase the levels of sertraline in your blood, which may increase the risk of side effects. While the effect is usually modest, it is best to avoid drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice.

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.