Taking Naproxen Can Leave You With Severe Muscle Pain

Naproxen side effects can be very serious, especially when the drug is taken for extended periods of time.

Because of this, many people look for alternatives to anti-inflammatory drugs to avoid these adverse reactions, especially in light of the recent Vioxx recall.

What are the side effects of naproxen?

Available in both prescription (Anaprox, Naprosyn) and non-prescription (Aleve) versions naproxen sodium is one of a class of medications called NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

NSAIDs are used to reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis, tendonitis and injuries, as well as for menstrual cramps. They block the chemicals (prostaglandin) that produce the inflammatory response, thus alleviating pain. 

However, although naproxen in both its OTC and prescription forms can help fight inflammation, there are several side effects to contend with, such as:

Stomach Pain * Heartburn * Ulcers * Bleeding * Ringing in the Ears * Liver or Kidney Problems * Allergic Reactions * Increased Blood Pressure

There are also many possible interactions with other medications that you must be aware of.

Different kinds and strengths of NSAIDs can lead to different adverse reactions, and complications from naproxen may be be severe for one person, and mild to non-existent for the next.

But all of these anti-inflammatory drugs work by the same or similar mechanisms, so there are closely related potential negative reactions.

How can you avoid these adverse reactions?

You should always take the minimum amount of any anti-inflammatory to treat your condition, and be sure to take it with food to minimize stomach problems.

To avoid problems altgoether, you might want to try a natural anti-inflammatory such as curcumin, ginger, bromelain or MSM.

Most of these natural anti-inflammatories have no side effects, and some are actually more effective than naproxen in its non-prescription form.

So although most people do not suffer any significant problems from taking recommended dosages of NSAIDs, especially the non-prescription ones such as Aleve and Advil, you can avoid all potential naproxen sodium side effects by trying a natural alternative first.

However, please be sure to consult with your physician or other qualified medical professional before you take any NSAID or natural anti-inflammatory to avoid adverse reactions.

more on our prescription drug side effects page

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