What Is Naproxen Sod?
Naproxen Sodium, sometimes abbreviated as Naproxen Sod., is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, used to treat a variety of complaints including pain, inflammation, muscle cramps and fever. Introduced in 1976 as prescription drug Naprosyn, the Food and Drug Administration approved Naproxen Sodium for over-the-counter (OTC) sale in 1994. Naproxen is generally safe but can carry some risks, which you should be aware of before taking it.
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Why to Take Naproxen Sodium
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At your drug store, you're likely to find Naproxen Sodium as Aleve or Anaprox, as well as under many other brands and names. One of the big selling points for Naproxen is that it lasts longer than Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, with some formulations lasting up to 12 hours per dose. For people with chronic pain or who are recovering from surgery, it means having to take less pills, less often, to get relief.
Some of the conditions Naproxen Sodium is used to treat include muscle pain, arthritis, inflammation, post-surgical pain, fever, menstrual pain, bursitis, tendonitis, headaches, toothaches and backaches. You can buy it at your local drug store or have it prescribed by your doctor. Some of the prescription formulations may be higher doses or formulated to be fast-acting, such as Naprelan, a sodium salt formation of the drug Naprosyn that allows for more rapid absorption. Both prescription and OTC Naproxen can come in a time-release tablet, which releases the medicine over time instead of all at once, and allows you to take the medication less often. You can also find Naproxen Sodium in caplet and liquid forms, and there are some products available that combine Naproxen Sodium with cold and flu medicine. A prescription medication called Trexima contains a mixture of Naproxen Sodium and Sumatriptan, and is used for treating migraines.
Common Side Effects
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The most common side effects of Naproxen Sodium relate to the gastrointestinal system. It can cause mild to moderate stomach upset, so it is recommended that you take this medicine with food or a glass of water. You may also experience diarrhea, gas, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, light-headedness, dizziness or ringing in the ears. Naproxen Sodium is also known to cause ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding, and you should not take this medicine if you have a history of ulcers unless it is specifically recommended by your doctor. The risk of ulcers and bleeding increases if you are taking anticoagulants or corticosteroids, if you use Naproxen regularly for long periods, if you smoke or drink alcohol, and if you are older or in poor health. If you have high blood pressure, don't take Naproxen Sodium without talking to your doctor, as it contains sodium that may impact your condition.
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Serious Side Effects and Risks
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According to the FDA, Naproxen Sodium can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke, so you should not use this medicine if you have a history of heart disease, and before or after heart surgery, including bypass surgery. If you are taking Naproxen Sodium and experience signs of allergic reaction, stroke or heart attack, including shortness of breath, trouble breathing, chest pain, weakness on one side of the body, swelling of the face and neck, or slurred speech, stop taking Naproxen and get emergency help right away.
When to Call the Doctor
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If you experience any serious side effects, including severe nausea, unusual weakness or tiredness, itching, yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), stomach pain, flu-like symptoms, bloody vomit, blood in your bowel movements, bowel movements that are black and sticky or tar-like, skin rash or blisters with fever, or swelling of the arms, legs, hands, and feet, stop taking Naproxen Sodium and call your doctor immediately. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking Naproxen Sodium for more than 10 days.
Interactions with Medications
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If you take medications, Naproxen Sodium may interact with them. If you take Lithium, Naproxen Sodium can increase your Lithium levels and cause toxicity. You may need to have your Lithium levels monitored frequently if you take Naproxen regularly. Blood thinners (anti-coagulants) taken with Naproxen Sodium can increase your risk of stomach bleeding and bleeding ulcers. Alcohol, aspirin, and corticosteroids can also increase your risk of bleeding. High blood pressure medicines may not work as well if you are taking Naproxen Sodium, and you may need to alter or closely monitor your blood pressure medications if you are taking Naproxen regularly. Toxic effects of Methotrexate may be greater if taken with Naproxen. Probenecid can cause Naproxen Sodium to build up in the body. Do not take Probenecid with Naproxen.
If you take any medications, including those not listed here, check with your doctor before taking any OTC medicine like Naproxen to be sure it is safe to take with your current medication regimen.
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