Drug Interactions - Pristiq with Nabumetone

Dear Ask The Doctor: If my mother is on Pristiq can I give her a Nabumetone just once because she is having low back pain from moving boxes. Wanted to know more about drug interactions if possible?

Dear Abdullah: Nabumatone is from a group of drugs called NSAID which may interfere with the platelet function and increase the risk of bleeding. Pristiq is from an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) group of drugs. Serotonin is a substance produced in the body which helps to stop bleeding in the body. Platelets store this serotonin and release it when there is an injury or bleeding, thereby reducing blood loss. SSRI’s action is to reduce the transfer and stores of serotonin, in the platelets as well as in other parts of the body like brain etc. Although we get the desired therapeutic results by serotonin inhibition in other parts of the body, we may increase the chances of blood loss in case of any internal or external bleeding. Thus it may not be safe to administer nabumatone while on pristiq. You may give your mother nabumatone only under the supervision of her doctor.