Table of Contents
Key Points
- Gabapentin is a gamma-aminobutyric acid analog commonly used to treat seizure disorders and nerve pain.
- Tylenol is a brand name for acetaminophen, an over-the-counter analgesic used to treat fever and mild to moderate pain.
- Gabapentin and Tylenol are generally safe to take together, but it’s still important to consult a health care provider.
- Each medication is associated with different side effects and drug interactions, and some of these can be serious.
- It is possible to overdose on either gabapentin or Tylenol, so they should only be taken as indicated.
- Gabapentin has been linked to increased reports of substance abuse and addiction.
- Never mix gabapentin with opioid drugs, as this can lead to a fatal overdose.
Gabapentin and Tylenol: Can They Be Taken Together?
Gabapentin and Tylenol are generally safe to take together. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant drug, and Tylenol is an over-the-counter analgesic. There are no clinically significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions between gabapentin and acetaminophen. It’s still important to consult a health care provider who knows the patient’s medical history before taking Gabapentin and Tylenol together.
Mixing stronger painkillers with gabapentin is ill-advised. When taken with opioid pain medications like hydrocodone or oxycodone, for example, the risk of a life-threatening overdose is significantly increased.
It’s possible to overdose on Tylenol or Gabapentin alone or together. Always follow a doctor’s instructions and any packaging inserts when taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Report any side effects to a health care provider immediately.
What Is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is FDA-approved for partial-onset seizures and postherpetic neuralgia. Other uses, such as diabetic neuropathy or fibromyalgia, are off-label. It’s also known by the brand names Neurontin, Gralise, and Horizant and is considered part of a class of medications known as gamma-aminobutyric acid analogs.[1]
Though gabapentin has historically been considered a low-risk drug, some states have classified it as a controlled substance due to increased risks of substance abuse and addiction. [2] Gabapentin can enhance the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of opioids and alcohol, increasing the risk of overdose, but it is not inherently deadly unless combined with other CNS depressants.
Side Effects of Gabapentin
Gabapentin, like most prescription medications, has been linked to specific side effects. Some of these side effects are mild, while others can be more serious. Examples of reported gabapentin side effects include: [3]
- Weakness
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Trouble talking
- Vision problems
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Swelling of legs and feet
- Chills
- Increased seizures (rare)
- Balance problems
- Body aches
What Is Tylenol?
Tylenol is a brand name for the generic pain reliever acetaminophen. This analgesic is a commonly used over-the-counter drug found in medicine cabinets across the country. Tylenol has a wide range of uses and is commonly taken for fever and mild to moderate pain associated with flu, cold symptoms, arthritis, menstrual cramps, and muscle pain.
Side Effects of Tylenol
Some adverse effects have been associated with Tylenol, including some serious side effects: [4]
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
- Tiny red spots on the skin
- Skin rash
- Itchy skin
- Bloody urine
- Cloudy urine
- Bloody stool
- Black stool
- Ulcers on the mouth or lips
- Abnormal bruising
- Abnormal bleeding
- Unusual fatigue
- Sharp pain in the lower back or side
Gabapentin and Tylenol: Drug Interactions
There are no known drug interactions between gabapentin and Tylenol, so they are generally safe to take together. Though they are both considered painkillers, they work in different ways to address different types of pain. When taking these two medications, it could be helpful to know about each of their drug interactions.
Gabapentin Drug Interactions
Gabapentin has few pharmacokinetic drug interactions, but it may potentiate CNS depression when combined with other sedating agents. A healthcare provider should be informed of all medications a patient is taking before prescribing gabapentin. Possible gabapentin drug interactions include: [5]
- Opioid drugs (e.g., hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, etc.)
- Alcohol
- Cannabis
- Xanax
- Buspirone
- Clozapine
- Clonezepam
- Lorazepam
- Ketamine
- Trazadone
- Tramadol
Recently, gabapentin has been associated with polysubstance abuse, particularly with the use of opioid drugs. Individuals have been known to misuse gabapentin to increase the euphoric effects of opioids like hydrocodone, oxycodone, and fentanyl, for example. This is a potentially deadly practice that can lead to a fatal overdose.
Gabapentin Overdose: Signs and Symptoms
Gabapentin has been detected in polysubstance overdose deaths, but fatal overdose from gabapentin alone is rare. To prevent a gabapentin overdose, only take this medication as prescribed. Avoid alcohol, opioids, or any other medication with known interactions. Signs and symptoms of a life-threatening gabapentin overdose include:
- Seeing double
- Feeling extremely drowsy or sluggish
- Slurred speech
- Diarrhea
Any signs of overdose warrant a call to 911 and the poison control helpline.
Tylenol Drug Interactions
Tylenol is also associated with potential drug interactions. A health care provider should be consulted before taking Tylenol with the following drugs and supplements: [6]
- Antihistamines like Benadryl and Zyrtec
- Ibuprofen
- Aspirin
- Famotidine
- Fish oil
- Lisinopril
- Melatonin
- Albuterol
- Prednisone
- Trazadone
- Tramadol
Tylenol Overdose: Signs and Symptoms
Although generally considered safe and non-addictive, Tylenol has also been associated with overdose, including fatal overdose. Acetaminophen poisoning can be linked to roughly 500 deaths across the country each year. [7] Signs of a Tylenol overdose may include: [8]
- Bloody urine
- Paleness
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive sweating
- Infrequent urination
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Dark urine
- Pain in the upper right side
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Trouble breathing
- Extreme fatigue or drowsiness
- Confusion
- Shaking
- Difficulty staying awake
- Coma
A Tylenol overdose can be a life-threatening medical emergency. Call 911 and the poison control helpline.
How to Take Gabapentin and Tylenol Together
Even though gabapentin and Tylenol are generally safe to take together, individuals should always talk to their doctors before beginning any new medication. There are other things one can do to reduce any risks of combining these two medications:
- Take both medications exactly as prescribed or indicated. Never take more than recommended, even if the medication doesn’t seem to be working.
- Report any side effects to a health care provider as soon as possible.
- Only take these medications for as long as you need to for pain relief. Don’t take them longer than prescribed or to prevent pain.
- Tell a healthcare provider about any other illnesses, physical or mental, you’ve been diagnosed with prior to taking gabapentin and Tylenol.
- Read all packaging labels and inserts. Ask the pharmacist or doctor about any questions or concerns.
- If you miss a dose of either medication, take it as soon as possible unless it’s close to time for another dose. Avoid double-dosing.
- Consider alternative methods to pain relief to use in conjunction with medications, such as stretching, physical therapy, acupuncture, and other forms of chronic pain management. These could reduce your need for prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs in the long run.
Addiction and Recovery Support
Any drug, including prescription drugs and even over-the-counter drugs, has the potential to be psychologically or physically addictive. Substance use disorder is a serious behavioral health condition that requires professional treatment. No one should have to deal with cravings and withdrawal symptoms alone. There are treatment centers, including rehabilitation facilities, that use evidence-based methods to help individuals comfortably and effectively achieve sobriety.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gabapentin and Tylenol
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