If you have epilepsy, chances are that you are on Gabapentin. Add fever to this and most likely you will be considering consuming Tylenol to take care of that. So the obvious question that will hot your mind will be can you take Gabapentin and Tylenol together?

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant and anti-epileptic medication. It affects the chemicals and neurons that produce seizures and some forms of pain. Gabapentin is a prescribed medication available under the brand name Neurontin. It is mainly used to treat partial seizure that occur because of epilepsy.

Gabapentin is widely used in US. Its consumption has seen a drastic rise over the last decade. In the year 2004, the total sale was 18 million, this shot up to 47 million in the year 2019. You can get gabapentin over the counter through a valid prescription.

Tylenol, also known as acetaminophen, is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Colds, flu, headaches, muscular pains, arthritis, menstrual cramps, and fevers are all treated with this remedy. It also helps to reduce body temperature and ease minor pain.  

You can buy Tylenol over the counter  from certified pharmacy. Tylenol is brand name which belongs to drug class of Analgesic or Opioid. Tylenol is an OTC medication.

The total sale of Tylenol was 6 million in the year 2004. Contrary to Gabapentin, the sales of Tylenol has dropped substantially over the last decade with sales going down to as less as 4.5 million in the year 2019.

The common thing about these two medicines is that they can treat pain, but their work is quite different.

Taking Gabapentin And Tylenol Together

You can take Gabapentin and Tylenol together if your doctor prescribes it. Gabapentin is commonly used with OTC medications for pain relief and is usually safe to take.

We suggest you to be cautious when taking Gabapentin and other OTC medicines together, as they might increase Gabapentin’s side effects, such as nausea or dizziness. 

Please consult your doctor for any detected symptoms of the side effects or health issues occurring after taking them. 

How Does Both The Medications Work?

Gabapentin appears to work by affecting the activity of molecules called neurotransmitters, which convey information between nerve cells and modify electrical activity in the brain. Gabapentin relieves pain by changing the way the body senses pain. These medication is also used as to treat nerve pain.

Tylenol reduces pain by raising the pain threshold, which means that a person must experience more pain before feeling it. When used together, both these drugs can reduce pain and amplify side effects in some people.

A study published in the Journal of Anaesthesiology Clinical Pharmacology observed the use of Gabapentin, Tylenol, and a combination of Gabapentin and Tylenol together as a protective premedication for post-operative analgesia.

It was a randomized, double-blind study conducted on 120 consenting patients. The drugs were given 2 hours before the induction. Time, number, VAS score at rest, and side effects were noted.

The study stated that premedication with antihyperalgesic and analgesic medications could help reduce postoperative pain.

Gabapentin premedication is successful in delivering superior postoperative pain management with fewer and later rescue analgesics, but it induces more nausea and vomiting episodes as well as greater degrees of drowsiness (study of acetaminophen, gabapentin and combination of acetaminophen with gabapentin for post-operative analgesia).

Study

A study published in the Journal of Anaesthesiology Clinical Pharmacology observed the use of Gabapentin, Tylenol, and a combination of Gabapentin and Tylenol together as a protective premedication for post-operative analgesia.

It was a randomized, double-blind study conducted on 120 consenting patients. The drugs were given 2 hours before the induction. Time, number, VAS score at rest, and side effects were noted.

The study stated that premedication with antihyperalgesic and analgesic medications could help reduce postoperative pain. Gabapentin premedication is successful in delivering superior postoperative pain management with fewer and later rescue analgesics, but it induces more nausea and vomiting episodes as well as greater degrees of drowsiness. (Syal, K., Goma, M., Dogra, R. K., Ohri, A., Gupta, A. K., & Goel, A. (2010).)

Forms And Strength Of Tylenol And Gabapentin

Gabapentin comes in capsules, tablets, and liquid forms. 

Gabapentin

Capsules: 100, 300 and 400 mg.

Tablets: 600 and 800 mg.

Liquid: 250 mg per 5 mL.

Tylenol comes in capsules, tablets, and liquid forms.

Tylenol

Capsules: 325 mg and 500 mg.

Tablets: 325 and 500 mg.

Liquid: 160 and 500 mg per 5 mL.

How To Administer Gabapentin And Tylenol Together?

Gabapentin pills, tablets, and oral solutions are commonly given three times a day, with or without meals.

Gabapentin can be started as a single 300 mg dosage on Day 1, 600 mg twice a day on Day 2, and 900 mg twice a day on Day 3 in individuals with postherpetic neuralgia (300 mg three times a day).

After then, the dose can be titrated up to 1800 mg per day as needed for pain management (600 mg three times a day) (Goa, K.L. and Sorkin, E.M., 1993. Gabapentin).

Tylenol is also available in the form of tablets or an oral solution. It can also be taken with or without meals. Tylenol Regular Strength is usually taken in two 650 mg pills or capsules every four to six hours.

In a 24-hour period, adults and adolescents aged 12 and above should not consume more than 10 Tylenol tablets (3,250 mg). Use for a maximum of 10 days.

Regular strength Tylenol can be taken by children aged 6 to 11. (325 mg). Children under the age of six should only be given Tylenol under the supervision of a doctor or other healthcare professional.

The recommended dose of Tylenol for young children is decided by the child's weight and age (Sahajwalla, C.G. and Ayres, J.W., 1991).

If you have a sensitive stomach, we would suggest you eat food before taking these medicines as it may lessen the effects of an upset stomach. 

As mentioned above in the article published by the Journal of Anaesthesiology Clinical Pharmacology, the study studied the effects of Acetaminophen 1000 mg and 1200 mg of Gabapentin when taken together.

Who Cannot Take Gabapentin Or Tylenol?

Gabapentin can cause life-threatening breathing issues, especially if you already have a respiratory disease or are taking other medications that make you sleepy or slow your breathing. If your breathing is sluggish, get medical help right once.

While using Gabapentin, some patients have suicidal ideation or behavioral problems. Keep an eye on your mood and symptoms for any changes. Notify your doctor if you develop new or worsening symptoms.

If you have severe liver disease, you should avoid using Tylenol. An acetaminophen overdose can harm your liver or perhaps cause death. Adults and teens weighing at least 110 pounds should not consume more than 1000 mg at a time or 4000 mg in 24 hours.

Children under the age of 12 should not take more than five doses in 24 hours and should only take the quantity of mg per dosage suggested for their weight and age. Strictly follow the directions on the label.

We strongly suggest you not to drink alcohol, use heavy machinery or drive when under the influence of either of these two medicines. 

Side Effects Of Gabapentin And Ibuprofen 

Some side effects of these medications are:

Side Effects Of Gabapentin  Side Effects Of Ibuprofen
Weak or shallow breathing Stomach pain
Blue colored skin Loss of appetite
Confusion Tiredness
Increased seizures Jaundice
Fever Dark urine
Headache Itching

Other side effects can happen when taking Gabapentin and Tylenol, which are not mentioned in this article. Consult your doctor as soon as you have any symptoms of one. 

Interactions Of Gabapentin And Tylenol With Other Drugs

Gabapentin is known to interact with:

  • Aspirin
  • Flexeril
  • Lexapro
  • Tylenol
  • Vitamins

Gabapentin interacts with 262 known medications.

Tylenol is known to interact with:

  • Aspirin
  • Gabapentin
  • Ibuprofen
  • Metformin
  • Omeprazole

Tylenol interacts with 105 known medications.

These medications are known to interact with alcohol, vitamin, and herbal drugs.  

Conclusion

We can take Gabapentin and Tylenol together for pain relief under proper guidance. As per most studies, it is perfectly safe it is perfectly safe to take Gabapentin and Tylenol together. Both the medications have different effects on your body.

Although, some people may face severe side effects and show quick results. We suggest you take caution while consuming the medication and talk to your doctor if any side effects occur. 

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