Can You Take Other Pain Meds Along With Celebrex?

Celebrex is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat arthritis pain, inflammation and stiffness. This 24-hour pain medication could increase the likelihood of heart attack or stroke, if combined with other drugs in the NSAID category. However, there are additional pain medications that can be taken with Celebrex.

Safe Medication

Acetaminophen, used for pain relief, fevers and cold, is not in the NSAID category like Celebrex. It can be easily found in generic form or under the brand names Tylenol, Actamen or Feverall. Taking it in combination with Celebrex is safe and effective.

Avoid Other NSAIDs

Celebrex should not be taken with any other NSAIDs. Stomach and intestinal problems may occur if Celebrex is combined with drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), naproxen (Aleve or Naprosyn), diclofenac, diflunsial, etodolac or any other anti-inflammatory drugs. Check with your doctor if you are not sure another medication is in this classification.

Avoid OTC Cold Medicines

There are numerous OTC cold and allergy medicines available at the drugstore that treat various symptoms by using a variety of ingredients. Many of these medications contain aspirin, alcohol or both, and these substances should not be combined with Celebrex. Both aspirin and alchohol mixed with Celebrex can cause serious stomach-related side effects.

Avoid Aspirin

Aspirin may cause stomach irritation and ulcers, and taken along with Celebrex this drug increases the likelihood of this occurring. Stomach bleeding and ulcers can become life threatening, so if you take aspirin or have aspirin-sensitive asthma or allergic reactions to aspirin, you should not take Celebrex.

Other Precautions

You may not be able to take an antidepressant such as Cymbalta, Prozac or Paxil while taking Celebrex as this may lead to complications, such as bruising or bleeding easily. Tell your doctor if you take blood thinners, diuretics, lithium, hypertension drugs or ACE inhibitors. Many other medications will not affect your Celebrex prescription, but it's always a good idea to go over all current medications and supplements with your doctor, whether they are OTC products or prescriptions.