ANSWERS: 4
  • I don't normally have stomach problems but if I take Aleve more than 2 tabs a day, I get terrible stomach pain and have actually passed blood through my intestines.
  • Naproxen has a good efficacy (effectiveness) with low risks of side-effects compared to many other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). However, all NSAIDS are associated with potentially serious gastro-intestinal toxic effects, especially following long term use or overdose. This risk increases with age but can occur to anyone. Naproxen itself is classed as intermediate risk for producing upper GI problems (e.g. in the stomach). The reason for NSAIDs producing these effects is because they inhibit enzymes called cycloozygenase (COX) enzymes, which are chemicals produced by the body. COX-1 is produced in most tisues of the body, to keep the cells safe in various ways. COX-2 is produced in cells involved in inflammation, for example after an injury, producing the efects such as soreness, swelling and the like. Therefore, NSAIDs work by blocking COX-2 to reduce inflammation. Unfortunately, they have varying degrees of effect on blocking COX-1 as well. In the stomach, COX-1 acts to help reduce acid production, so blocking COX-1 causes the stomach protection system for when you aren't digesting food from working correctly, leading to ulcers, nausea, vomiting and occasionally, after excessive use, bleeding. It is hard to predict what the effects will be with the dosage you mentioned, because everyone has different degrees of tolerance. However, according to my BNF, it should be taken 500mg - 1000mg per day, either in one dose or two half doses. Since preparations seem to be either 250mg or 500mg, it depends on which you have. However, 1250mg should not be exceeded per day. Risks of developing more serious side effects increase the longer you take them, so if you do find the side effects are too unpleasant, tell your doctor who gave the prescription. They should NOT be taken if the prescription isn't for you.
  • Most pain relievers can cause stomach upset and possibly ulcers, however, the greater danger from Naproxen Sodium is that in recent studies it was linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. These studies are ongoing. Still, do not use it or any other NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) if you have high blood pressure, unless doctor approved. Naproxen sodium has been shown to impair the effectiveness of blood pressure medicines like ace inhibitors and beta blockers.
  • my doctor has prescribed 500mg of naproxen 2 times daily for possible polymyalgia rheumatica.While it has somewhat helped the primary complaint, it has also had an extremely beneficial side effect of easing considerable knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. I ALWAYS EAT BEFORE OR DURING THE INTAKE, and so far have not experienced any stomach symptons. I have also reduced my intake to one 500mg tablet unless my knee pain is worse.

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