Can I take Sertraline and Ibuprofen together?
Drug interaction guide
Originally published 24 Jan 2026
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Taking sertraline and ibuprofen together increases your risk of internal bleeding, particularly in the stomach or gut. While many people take these together without issues, the combination makes it harder for your blood to clot and can irritate the lining of your stomach.
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Why this happens
Sertraline (an SSRI) reduces the amount of serotonin in your blood platelets, which are the cells responsible for clotting. Ibuprofen (an NSAID) also interferes with platelet function and can damage the protective lining of the stomach. When used together, these two effects combine to significantly raise the risk of a bleed.
What you should do
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking these together. If you need pain relief, paracetamol is usually a safer choice while taking sertraline. If your doctor confirms you must take both, take them with food to protect your stomach. Seek medical help immediately if you notice signs of bleeding, such as vomit that looks like coffee grounds, very dark or tarry stools, or unexplained bruising.
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Important precautions
Stomach ulcers and bleeding
Taking these medicines together significantly increases your risk of serious stomach bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice black, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Asthma
Do not take ibuprofen if you have asthma that is worsened by aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as it can trigger a severe, life-threatening asthma attack.
Low sodium levels (Hyponatraemia)
Sertraline can cause a dangerous drop in blood sodium levels, especially in the elderly. Seek medical help if you experience persistent confusion, muscle weakness, or seizures.
Food and drink warnings
Alcohol
It is best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking sertraline. Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of the medicine, making you feel more sleepy, dizzy, or unsteady. It can also worsen the symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Food (General)
Ibuprofen should ideally be taken with food or a glass of milk. This helps to protect your stomach lining and reduces the risk of indigestion or stomach ache.
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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.
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Treatment and medication
Can I take Sertraline and Fluoxetine together?
Taking sertraline and fluoxetine together significantly increases the risk of a rare but serious condition called serotonin syndrome. This happens because both medicines work by increasing the level of a chemical called serotonin in your brain. If levels get too high, it can cause symptoms like shivering, diarrhoea, confusion, severe muscle tightness, fever, and even seizures. Additionally, fluoxetine can slow down how your body breaks down sertraline, leading to a build-up of the drug in your system and increasing the risk of side effects.
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Article history
The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
24 Jan 2026 | Originally published
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