Naproxen

Non-Opioid Pain Medicines

(generic; Aleve®; Naprosyn®) tablets or capsules

Naproxen (generic; Aleve®; Naprosyn®) is a common over-the-counter pain medicine that comes in tablets or capsules.

Which one should I buy?

At the drug store, naproxen is sold over-the-counter (without a prescription). It is fine to buy generic (not brand name) naproxen, or you can buy one of the common brand-name versions like Aleve®. Over-the-counter naproxen usually comes in 220mg tablets, although you can also find different doses.

How do I take this medicine?

Make sure you ask your care team before taking this medicine, because it can sometimes cause serious side effects.

Take with a glass of water or other liquid. Some people to find it helpful to take with food, milk, or an acid reducer to prevent stomach upset.

Naproxen can help pain in addition to opioids. Here are some ways you might try to use it. Remember, never take a higher dose or take it more often than what is described on the medication bottle

If your doctor tells you to, take naproxen on a regular schedule for several days. This can reduce inflammation, which can help pain.
If your pain is mild, try taking naproxen before taking your short-acting (breakthrough) opioid. If your pain doesn’t improve, then try the opioid.
If you don’t get enough relief from your short-acting (breakthrough) opioid, try taking naproxen.
If you find that naproxen is not helpful, stop taking it. It’s better to focus on things that work for your pain.

How much can I take?

Always follow your doctor’s instructions for taking naproxen. If you have bought naproxen over-the-counter, the usual dose recommended on the package is:

Take 1 tablet/capsule (220 mg) every 8-12 hours as needed for pain.

Do not take more than 2 tablets/capsules (440 mg total) in a 12-hour period.

Do not take more than 3 tablets (660 mg total) in 24 hours.

How does it work?

Naproxen helps with pain by reducing inflammation.

What are the side effects?

Naproxen commonly causes an upset stomach, stomach pains, or heart burn. To prevent this, it is helpful to take it with food or to take an acid blocking medicine like omeprazole (Prilosec) or famotidine (Pepcid).

Rarely, this medicine can severe inflammation of the stomach or gut that causes bleeding. Call your care team right away if you have any signs of bleeding from your stomach and gut:

if you vomit and see red or black material
If you see red colored stools
If your stools are black and sticky

If you have kidney problems, Naproxen may not be safe for you. Even with healthy kidneys, naproxen can rarely cause kidney problems – especially if you get dehydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids (at least 2 liters per day) while taking naproxen. If you have severe vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty keeping down fluids – call your care team and stop taking naproxen.

Naproxen can cause a few other side effects that are more rare, like swelling, allergic reaction (swelling in the lips, tongue, or difficulty breathing), dizziness, drowsiness, or headache.