Naproxen

Naproxen sodium tablets are effective at treating many types of pain. It is most commonly used to treat pain associated with arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, gout and menstrual cramps. However, it is also an effective treatment for headaches, backaches and muscle pain. Naproxen is a NSAID, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Naproxen has been linked to an increased risk of circulation problems, heart attack and stroke if it is used for long periods of time or is used in higher dosages than recommended. It has also been shown to increase the risk of gastrointestinal problems such as bleeding or perforation of the stomach and intestines. Consuming alcohol, or using other over the counter medications while using naproxen can increase the risks of severe complications.

You should not take naproxen sodium if you have a history of heart attack, stroke or blood clots, bleeding disorders, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, polyps in your nose, liver or kidney disease, SLE, or if you smoke. You should also know that naproxen can be dangerous if you take it in combination with a blood thinner, lithium, diuretics, aspirin and other NSAID’s and ACE inhibitor drugs. Make sure you talk to your doctor if you take any of these medications.

Naproxen sodium tablets, like ibuprofen products, and other products such as Tylenol, can be very easy to overdose on. These over the counter medications are so easily available; naproxen comes in dosages up to 500mg. Naproxen 500mg tablets work well, however if you have been on naproxen for any period of time, 500mg can be like taking candy. This creates a problem because people often take more than the recommended dosage to get the full effect of the medication. This is particularly dangerous with NSAID drugs such as naproxen, as it can lead to violent and potentially fatal internal bleeding of the stomach and intestines.

Naproxen sodium side effects are generally mild if taken in the recommended dosage. The 250mg and 500mg naproxen tablets are the most common dosages you will find in your local store. Some of the most common side effects of naproxen are upset stomach, bloating, dizziness, headache, skin itching and rash, blurred vision and ringing in the ears. The more serious side effects include chest pain, shortness of breath, speech and vision problems, swelling of the face, tongue, lips and throat, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or something that resembles coffee grounds, problems urinating, rapid weight gain, flu like symptoms, bruising, muscle weakness, neck stiffness and seizures. Keep in mind that these side effects do not happen in most people, but they always could happen to you.