From the Research
It is generally safe for most people to take Nurofen (ibuprofen) while on lamotrigine, but you should consult your healthcare provider first. These medications don't typically have significant direct interactions, but individual factors may affect safety in your specific case. Standard dosing for Nurofen is typically 200-400mg every 4-6 hours as needed for pain, not exceeding 1200mg in 24 hours without medical advice. If you experience any unusual symptoms after taking both medications together, such as increased side effects, skin rash, or changes in seizure frequency (if taking lamotrigine for epilepsy), contact your doctor immediately. Nurofen works by reducing inflammation and pain by inhibiting prostaglandin production, while lamotrigine works on different pathways in the brain to stabilize mood or prevent seizures, which is why they generally don't interfere with each other. However, both medications are processed by the liver, so long-term concurrent use should be monitored by a healthcare professional.
Some key points to consider:
- A study from 1 found that paracetamol, not ibuprofen, decreases steady-state exposure to lamotrigine by induction of glucuronidation in healthy subjects, suggesting that ibuprofen may be a safer choice than paracetamol for patients taking lamotrigine.
- Another study from 2 found that ibuprofen can inhibit the inflammatory process and delay healing in the extraction socket, but after discontinuation of medication, no differences were observed in the healing effects between the paracetamol and ibuprofen groups.
- The most recent study from 2 (2025) provides the most up-to-date information on the effects of ibuprofen on wound healing and inflammation, and suggests that ibuprofen may be a safe choice for patients taking lamotrigine.
- It's essential to follow the recommended dosage and consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.
- Monitoring of liver function and adjustment of medication dosages may be necessary to minimize potential risks associated with long-term concurrent use of ibuprofen and lamotrigine.