What is Naproxen: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Naproxen is a widely used pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication that belongs to a group of drugs called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). You might know it by brand names like Aleve or Naprosyn, and it's available both over-the-counter and by prescription.

This medication works by blocking certain chemicals in your body that cause pain, swelling, and inflammation. Think of it as turning down your body's alarm system when it's working overtime. Many people find it helpful for everything from headaches to arthritis pain.

What is Naproxen?

Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain, inflammation, and fever in your body. It's considered a moderate-strength pain reliever that's stronger than ibuprofen but gentler than prescription opioids.

The medication comes in different forms including regular tablets, extended-release tablets, and liquid suspension. You can find lower-dose versions available over-the-counter, while higher strengths require a prescription from your doctor.

What makes naproxen special is its longer-lasting effect compared to other common pain relievers. While you might take ibuprofen every 4-6 hours, naproxen typically works for 8-12 hours, making it convenient for managing ongoing pain.

What is Naproxen Used For?

Naproxen helps manage various types of pain and inflammation throughout your body. It's particularly effective for conditions where both pain and swelling are present.

Here are the most common conditions naproxen can help with:

• Arthritis pain and joint stiffness (both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)
• Muscle aches and strains from exercise or injury
• Back pain and neck pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Menstrual cramps and period pain
• Dental pain after procedures
• General body aches from colds or flu

Your doctor might also prescribe naproxen for less common conditions like gout attacks, bursitis, or tendinitis. The key is that naproxen works best when inflammation is part of your pain problem.

How Does Naproxen Work?

Naproxen works by blocking specific enzymes in your body called COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes help create chemicals called prostaglandins, which trigger pain, inflammation, and fever when you're injured or sick.

When you take naproxen, it essentially tells these enzymes to slow down their production of prostaglandins. This means less inflammation in your tissues, which leads to reduced pain and swelling.

The medication is considered moderately strong among NSAIDs. It's more potent than aspirin or ibuprofen but less aggressive than prescription-only NSAIDs like diclofenac. This makes it a good middle-ground option for many people.

You'll typically start feeling relief within 1-2 hours of taking naproxen, with peak effects occurring around 2-4 hours. The pain relief can last 8-12 hours, which is why you don't need to take it as frequently as some other pain relievers.

How Should I Take Naproxen?

Taking naproxen with food or milk is your best bet for avoiding stomach upset. The medication can be tough on an empty stomach, so having something in your belly helps protect your stomach lining.

Here's how to take naproxen safely and effectively:

1. Take it with a full glass of water (8 ounces) to help it dissolve properly
2. Have it during or right after a meal, or with a glass of milk
3. Swallow tablets whole - don't crush, chew, or break them
4. If you're taking extended-release tablets, these are especially important not to break
5. Stay upright for at least 10 minutes after taking it to prevent stomach irritation

For over-the-counter naproxen, adults typically take 220mg every 8-12 hours. Prescription doses can be higher, usually 250mg, 375mg, or 500mg twice daily. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions or the package directions.

If you're eating beforehand, lighter foods like crackers, toast, or yogurt work well. You don't need a full meal, but having something substantial enough to coat your stomach makes a difference.

How Long Should I Take Naproxen For?

For over-the-counter use, naproxen should generally be used for no more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever unless your doctor says otherwise. This helps prevent potential side effects that can develop with longer use.

If you're taking prescription naproxen for chronic conditions like arthritis, your doctor will monitor you regularly and determine the appropriate duration. Some people may need to take it for months or even years under medical supervision.

For acute injuries like muscle strains or headaches, you might only need naproxen for a few days until the inflammation subsides. Listen to your body - if your pain improves, you can often reduce the dose or stop taking it altogether.

Never stop prescription naproxen suddenly if you've been taking it for weeks or months. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce your dose to avoid any rebound inflammation or withdrawal symptoms.

What Are the Side Effects of Naproxen?

Like all medications, naproxen can cause side effects, though many people tolerate it well when used appropriately. Most side effects are mild and go away as your body adjusts to the medication.

The most common side effects you might experience include:

• Stomach upset, nausea, or indigestion
• Heartburn or acid reflux
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache (ironically, even though it treats headaches)
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Mild skin rash or itching

These common effects usually improve within a few days of starting the medication. Taking naproxen with food often helps reduce stomach-related side effects significantly.

More serious side effects can occur, especially with long-term use or higher doses, though they're less common:

• Stomach bleeding or ulcers (may cause black, tarry stools or vomiting blood)
• Kidney problems (swelling, changes in urination, fatigue)
• Heart problems (chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness)
• Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, severe rash, swelling)
• Liver problems (yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine)
• High blood pressure or worsening of existing hypertension

If you experience any serious side effects, stop taking naproxen and contact your healthcare provider immediately. These more severe reactions require prompt medical attention.

Who Should Not Take Naproxen?

Certain people should avoid naproxen or use it only under close medical supervision. Your safety comes first, so it's important to know if you fall into any higher-risk categories.

You should not take naproxen if you have:

• Known allergy to naproxen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs
• Active stomach ulcers or a history of bleeding ulcers
• Severe kidney disease or kidney failure
• Severe heart failure
• Recent heart surgery (like bypass surgery)
• Severe liver disease

Several conditions require extra caution and medical supervision when using naproxen:

• High blood pressure or heart disease
• History of stomach problems or ulcers
• Kidney problems or reduced kidney function
• Liver disease
• Asthma (NSAIDs can trigger attacks in some people)
• Blood clotting disorders
• Pregnancy, especially in the third trimester

If you're over 65, your doctor may recommend a lower dose or closer monitoring, as older adults are at higher risk for side effects. Always discuss your complete medical history with your healthcare provider before starting naproxen.

Naproxen Brand Names

You'll find naproxen sold under several brand names, both over-the-counter and by prescription. The most recognizable brand name is Aleve, which you can buy at any pharmacy or grocery store.

Common brand names include:

• Aleve (over-the-counter naproxen sodium)
• Naprosyn (prescription naproxen)
• Anaprox (prescription naproxen sodium)
• Naprelan (extended-release naproxen sodium)
• EC-Naprosyn (enteric-coated naproxen)

The main difference between brands is often the coating, release mechanism, or whether it's naproxen or naproxen sodium. Naproxen sodium is absorbed slightly faster than regular naproxen, which is why Aleve uses this form.

Generic versions contain the same active ingredient and work just as effectively as brand names. Your pharmacist can help you choose the most cost-effective option that meets your needs.

Naproxen Alternatives

If naproxen isn't right for you, several other pain relievers might work better for your situation. Each has its own benefits and considerations.

Other NSAID alternatives include:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) - gentler on the stomach, shorter duration
• Aspirin - good for heart protection, but higher bleeding risk
• Diclofenac (Voltaren) - prescription only, very effective for inflammation
• Celecoxib (Celebrex) - prescription COX-2 inhibitor, easier on stomach

Non-NSAID pain relief options include:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) - good for pain and fever, doesn't reduce inflammation
• Topical pain relievers (creams, gels) - work locally without systemic effects
• Muscle relaxants for muscle-related pain
• Physical therapy and exercise for chronic pain

Your doctor can help you choose the best alternative based on your specific condition, medical history, and other medications you're taking. Sometimes combining different approaches works better than relying on one medication alone.

Is Naproxen Better Than Ibuprofen?

Both naproxen and ibuprofen are effective NSAIDs, but they have different strengths that make each better for certain situations. The "better" choice depends on your specific needs and how your body responds.

Naproxen's advantages include:

• Longer-lasting relief (8-12 hours vs 4-6 hours for ibuprofen)
• Less frequent dosing needed
• May be more effective for inflammatory conditions like arthritis
• Better for chronic pain management

Ibuprofen's advantages include:

• Generally gentler on the stomach
• Faster onset of action
• Better studied for use in children
• May have slightly less cardiovascular risk

For acute pain like headaches or muscle strains, either can work well. For ongoing conditions like arthritis, naproxen's longer duration often makes it more convenient. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, ibuprofen might be the better choice.

Some people respond better to one medication than the other, even though they work similarly. It's perfectly reasonable to try both (at different times) to see which works better for your body.