* Naproxen helps relieve pain and inflammation by blocking the
effects of the enzymes cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2. This
prevents prostaglandin synthesis (prostaglandins elevate body
temperature and make nerve endings more sensitive to pain
transmission).
* Naproxen belongs to a group of medicines known as NSAIDs
(nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Upsides
* Effective for the relief of pain and inflammation associated with
arthritis, gout, menstruation, and tendonitis.
* NSAIDs (including naproxen) are considered first-line options for
mild-to-moderate acute pain because at correct dosages they are
effective, do not cause dependence and are readily available at a
low cost.
* Generic naproxen is available.
Downsides
If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or
have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to
experience include:
* Stomach-related side effects including indigestion, heartburn, and
bleeding. People of an older age, taking other medicines that
affect the stomach, or who drink more than 3 glasses of alcohol per
day may be more at risk. Naproxen is considered to have an
intermediate potential for stomach-related side effects compared
with other NSAIDs.
* Most NSAIDs have been associated with an increased risk of stroke
or heart attack. The risk may be higher in patients with
preexisting cardiovascular conditions and with higher dosages.
* May not be suitable for some people including those with kidney
disease, a history of stomach ulcers or other gastrointestinal
disorders, with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, or following
coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
* May interact with some other medicines such as warfarin, SSRIs, ACE
inhibitors, and diuretics.
Notes: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical
conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes,
seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of
developing a wider range of side effects. For a complete list of all
side effects, [84]click here.
Bottom Line
Naproxen is effective for the short-term relief of pain and
inflammation associated with arthritis, gout, menstruation, and
tendonitis; however, like other NSAIDs, it has the potential to
adversely affect the stomach or heart and increase bleeding tendency.
Tips
* Take with food to reduce stomach-related adverse effects.
* Slow-release, extended-release, or enteric-coated tablets should be
swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed.
* Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration of time.
* The recommended dosage of naproxen may vary depending on the brand
being taken. Do not assume that one brand has the same dose as
another. Always check the dosage instructions on the label. Also,
some brands may take slightly longer to start working than others.
* Twice daily dosing is recommended; more frequent dosing does not
necessarily improve the response to naproxen.
* Morning and evening dosages do not have to be equal in size.
* If you are taking naproxen and find it is not working very well for
you, you may like to try a different NSAID.
* NSAIDs should not be used in the last 3 months of pregnancy; always
ask your doctor before using any medication during pregnancy.
* Avoid naproxen if you have a history of asthma or hives after
taking aspirin or any other NSAIDs, like ibuprofen.
* Do not use this medicine in the setting of heart bypass surgery
(coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
* See a doctor immediately if you experience any difficulty with
breathing, unexplained sickness or fatigue, loss of appetite,
vision changes, fluid retention or abnormal bleeding.
Response and Effectiveness
* Time to peak concentrations varies with different formulations but
ranges from 1-4 hours. Pain-relieving effects last for
approximately 12 hours.
References
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