When you reach for naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to reduce pain, swelling, and fever. Also known as Aleve, it's one of the most common over-the-counter pain relievers people turn to for headaches, muscle aches, or arthritis flare-ups. But taking it without knowing the right dose can lead to stomach bleeding, kidney stress, or heart risks—especially if you're mixing it with other meds.
NSAIDs, a class of drugs that includes naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin work by blocking enzymes that cause inflammation. But not all NSAIDs are the same. Naproxen, has a longer half-life than ibuprofen, meaning it lasts longer in your body. That’s why you might take it just twice a day instead of every 4–6 hours. For adults, the typical OTC dose is 220 mg every 8–12 hours—not more than 660 mg in 24 hours. Prescription strength can go up to 500 mg twice daily, but only under a doctor’s watch. If you’re over 65, have kidney issues, or take blood thinners, even the low dose can be risky.
People often mix naproxen with aspirin or acetaminophen, not realizing how dangerous that can be. One study showed that nearly 1 in 5 ER visits for NSAID overdoses happened because users didn’t know they were doubling up. And if you’re using it for chronic pain—like osteoarthritis—you can’t just keep taking it forever. Long-term use raises your chance of ulcers and high blood pressure. That’s why many doctors recommend the lowest dose for the shortest time possible.
Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how naproxen interacts with other drugs, what symptoms to watch for, and how it stacks up against alternatives like ibuprofen or celecoxib. Whether you’re managing daily joint pain or just took one pill for a bad back, this collection gives you the facts you need to stay safe—and avoid the common mistakes most people make.
Ibuprofen and naproxen are common OTC painkillers, but they carry serious risks like heart attack, stomach bleeding, and kidney damage. Learn the safe limits, who should avoid them, and what to do instead.
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