Naproxen sodium is a NSAID that has the primary action of stopping prostaglandin production, as does aspirin and ibuprofen. This drug is available both OTC and by prescription. OTC naproxen is sold under a variety of brand names, Aleve being the most well known.
Because naproxen relieves pain, inflammation and stiffness it can be an effective symptom relief treatment for a wide variety of health conditions, like:
- gout
- bursitis
- arthritis
- myalgia
- tendinitis
- back pain
- neck pain
- toothache
- reduce fever
- osteoarthritis
- common cold
- rheumatoid arthritis
- ankylosing spondylitis
- muscle strain, joint sprain
- juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- dysmenorrhea ~ menstrual cramps
Naproxen sodium may take a week or two to feel substantial symptom relief of arthritis. In some cases, naproxen may be used to treat Paget’s disease and Bartter syndrome as well.
As with many medications, naproxen may cause some minor to moderate drug side effects, for instance:
- gas
- tinnitus
- diarrhea
- insomnia
- dizziness
- headache
- drowsiness
- paresthesia
- constipation
- mouth sores
- excessive thirst
- lightheadedness
- hearing problems
However, naproxen sodium does have the potential to cause some serious side effects. Drug side effects of naproxen for which you’ll need to stop and contact your health care provider ASAP include:
- rash
- hives
- pallor
- edema
- nausea
- blisters
- dysuria
- jaundice
- back pain
- hematuria
- hoarseness
- tachycardia
- appetite loss
- skin itchiness
- vision changes
- excessively tired
- difficulty breathing
- flu type symptoms
- swallowing problems
- cloudy, discolored urine
- unintentional weight gain
- upper right abdominal pain
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- bruising, erythema multiforme
- infection symptoms ~ sore throat, fever, chills, etc.
- eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, lower legs swelling
Because naproxen sodium thins your blood you should not take this drug in concert with a blood thinner or anticoagulant to avoid excessive bleeding. And naproxen can cause some adverse gastrointestinal problems, so taking it while you have an active ulcer or sensitive stomach is not advised.
You should not take naproxen without discussing it with your health care provider if you have or had any of these health conditions:
- ulcer
- asthma
- gastritis
- drug allergy
- heart failure
- hypertension
- kidney problem
- liver dysfunction
- bowel perforation
- gastrointestinal bleeding
- previous anaphylaxis event
And long term use of naproxen sodium increases your risk of cardiovascular thrombus, heart attack and stroke.
Naproxen overdose can occur either by accident or design when you take over the recommended dosage. Symptoms of naproxen overdose may involve:
- rash
- tinnitus
- diarrhea
- agitation
- heartburn
- dizziness
- wheezing
- confusion
- drowsiness
- blurry vision
- stomach pain
- severe headache
- nausea, vomiting
- extreme tiredness
- decreased urination
- slowed, labored breathing
- stomach, intestinal bleeding
- movement problems, unsteadiness
An overdose of naproxen can even cause you to slip into a coma. Immediately call the National Poison Control Center ASAP @ 1-800-222-1222 for instructions if you suspect that you might have taken too much of this drug.
Finally, if you are pregnant always clear the taking of any drug with your health care provider first.
