Naproxen, 500mg »
I went to see the doctor today and talked about the headaches I've been having on and off, so he prescribed Naproxen, which is the prescription ingredient in Aleve. Apparently one of these pills can last most of the day. At this point, I'm game.
After taking one, however, I'm not doing too well. I'm not sure if this is because I hadn't had anything to eat, or something else, however, so I'll try again tomorrow after having something to eat and see how things go. I'm definitely wanting to get the headaches resolved, but not if it makes me feel worse.
Comments (43)
Hi Chad...I've also experienced the side effects that you have had with Naproxen..I finally gave it up. My blood pressure went up, I was retaining fluid, awful stomach upsets, sweating, headaches, etc...this is definitely not a good drug...I'm back on only aspirin and doing much better...I was taking it for arthritis and I will never take it or anything like it again. I hope your headaches are better! Best to you!
Posted by Judy Kelley | June 12, 2006 1:32 PM
I have been taking EC Naproxen 500MG for two weeks. They are great, no side effects and pain goes away in 1-2hrs.
Posted by Dennis Boltenhouse, Sr | October 18, 2006 6:54 PM
I have been taking Naproxen for a lumbar strain when I had my ATV accident 8 weeks ago. I take 500mg 3 times a day. It is used in my case as an anti-inflammatory. You have to take this with food otherwise you run the risk of bleeding in the stomach from what I udnerstand. I never had any side effects. Be sure you let the doc know of any other medication. Also, you should not take additional aspirin or NSAIDs or you may have the bleeding.
Posted by Ramon Sanchez | October 19, 2006 10:57 AM
I have been experiencing severe cluster headeches for several years. Excruciating pain on the right side of my head, followed by severe vomiting. I get about two-three attacks a day. Yesterday I was given Naproxen by my doctor, and to my surprise the pain in my head did not return. Although my severe headaches vanished, now my vomiting is accompanied by the all-famous diarrhea.
Posted by johnny asencio | February 13, 2007 8:08 AM
I have just stated on Naproxen 500mg I had a heart attack 4 years ago is it safe to take naproxin
Posted by alastair watson | December 29, 2007 5:31 PM
I was prescribed Naproxen 500 mg. about 3 weeks ago for back strain. The doctor also said I have degenerative joint disease in my spine.
I have been having a lot of trouble breathing. It's a "smothering" feeling. I didn't realize this is a side effect Naproxen. I will discontinue taking it and see if I will do better.
Has anyone else experienced the same side effectf?
Posted by Bob McKim | December 30, 2007 9:08 AM
I had some very bad effects from Naproxen - I can't say if it's a problem with the medicine itself, or if it was just a bad time for me in general. But, keeping in mind that I'm not a doctor (or a lawyer), I would say that if you take Naproxen (or any other medication) and you feel bad, I'd definitely talk to your doctor pretty quickly.
Posted by Chad Everett | January 6, 2008 9:36 AM
In answer to Bob McKim. I have exactly the same problems you have from whatI'm told and have just been put on Naproxen and am experiencing that same reactions you are. I'm going to try and discontinue it also o see what happens.
Posted by Jim Stewart | January 8, 2008 4:52 PM
I have 2 herneated disks in my neck c5-c6 disks I have been pretty lucky with this medicine naproxen 500m I drink plenty of water with the pills and i have no problem it makes the pain easier to deal with I dont take it every day just when needed.
Posted by Dawn Maya | January 16, 2008 12:41 PM
I have just read your comments on Naproxen. Please don't take anymore. My mom was prescribed Naproxen for arthritis in her knees. She took it for two years. She started having kidney problems and gained alot of weight (which was fluid). Her doctor sent her to a kidney specialist. He took a biopsy of her kidney's. He told her her kidney's were dead. She walked in the hospital and never walked out. She went on dialysis and had a stroke all in the same week. She could no longer walk, turn herself over, nothing. She was totally dependent on us to take care of her. She wasn't warned about the damages of Naproxen. Her kidney doctor told us she should only have taken the Naproxen for six weeks, not two years. On her first visit, he took her off of it, but it was too late. My Mom died September 21, 2007, almost one year after her first visit with the kidney specialist. She went through pure hell during those last months. Please pass the word, I would not want anyone to experience the trauma she did.
Missing My Mom in Mississippi
Posted by Reda Waddle | January 18, 2008 3:10 PM
Reda,
I'm greatly sorry for your loss, I was prescribed Naproxen 500mg for my chronic back pain but now have fluid retention, upset stomach, abdominal pain, and other associated side effects of Naproxen. I was prescribed naproxen approx. january 07 took it until june 07 and discontinued use until a month ago. I found that marijuana helped my back pain much more then the naproxen ever did with no side effects, but due to legal troubles I have discontinued my use of marijuana and have started taking naproxen again. I am curious as to how much and how often a day your mother was prescribed to naproxen. I am only 18 now and my back pain is still as painful as it was at last year, yet I am not sure if I would want to continue to take my naproxen after hearing your story especially if my condition requires long term use. I would like to know the dosage your mother was given and perhaps I will be able to talk to my doctor about changing prescriptions to something more agreeable.
Thank you,
Pavan Rikhi
Posted by Pavan Rikhi | January 22, 2008 2:03 AM
I would like to thank every single one of you. I am having breathing problems and fluid retention. Having had a Stent put in 6 months back, and having felt fine till recently I was wondering if the Naproxen the VA prescribed at 375 twice a day was the problem. It certainly helped with my back and shoulder pain (war injuries). But I don't need another case of Congestive Heart Failure. So, tonight I won't take my dose, lets see how I do tomorrow.
Thanks again
Posted by Dan | February 4, 2008 8:22 PM
Hi folks,
I have osteo-arthritis in my left knee. It was so bad an orthopedic surgeon wanted to operate. Being a chicken I did not get the operation. I started drinking tart cherry juice and the pain began to go away. It took about 6 to 8 months of drinking the juice, but the pain is less. I also lost 40 pounds which I am sure wasn't helping any. Hope cherry juice helps someone else out there. Sorry to hear about your mom's loss, but the sharing of your story I am sure will help someone. All the best to all.
Posted by Andrew Serra | March 6, 2008 9:04 PM
Hi there, I would suggest that anytime one experiences disagreeable side effects with any drug (antibiotics included) that they STOP taking it immediately and consult a physician. Many times doctors prescribe as a panacea or band-aid of sorts without doing a full panel on a person to find out at what level their kidneys are operating, liver enzymes & function, how's their heart doing, that sort of thing. We're so stuck on our hearts that we forget how vitally important our kidneys and liver are, too. Everything we ingest eventually filters through the liver and kidneys. I had many problems with Vioxx, almost had a heart attack, and that was before they published the problems with the drug. Aleve is probably the best pain reliever I've ever taken, not even prescription pain killers work as well. However, I am aware that NSAIDs all carry risks. Read everything you can, and continue to record your experiences for others to see. We are literally guinea pigs for the drug companies, and if you don't believe me, ask anyone who took Phen-fen!!
Posted by Jubie St. Clair | April 17, 2008 3:41 PM
I want to thank everyone that has posted their info on Naproxen,I just went to the Doctor today,with pain in my foot,and she did tests,and said it appeared to be Gout,she has got me wearing a Fracture Boot and Prescribed EC-Naproxen 500mg twice a day,being a worry wart anyway,I always read upon Medications,before I ever take them,because I'm allergic to everything including Aspirin,and I'm also Diabetic,so when I read the comment about the ladies mother which I am so sorry to hear,It scared me.I think I'll just wear the boot and see how it gets.I have an ulcer as well,It makes me wonder if my Doctors remembers anything about me it's all in my chart and she's the Doctor not me.It's awful the way things are now that the Patient needs to research everything to keep something bad from happening.I am also considering changing Doctors.Again Thanks
Posted by Lisa Arb | April 17, 2008 5:02 PM
I have been taking these Naproxen 500 MG Enteric Coated pills for about 3 weeks they were perscribed for a contusion in my right hand. The first week I did get these crippling stomach pains but I thought it was from my abdominal work out. The 2nd week I used the Bathroom a lot and now the meds realy only stop the pain for about an hour or two. These meds always put me to sleep and I would wake up in worst pain then I was in before the sleep. Also the hand always swell back up no matter how much I hold it up. Can someone please help me determine what's going on with my hand and should I keeep taking these meds.
Posted by Antonio Porterfield | April 28, 2008 9:37 AM
My doctor precribed me naproxen after i had a c-section. Those pills were like heaven in a bottle. But be sure you take them after you have eaten something or they will make you feel pretty bad.
Posted by LaTisha | May 3, 2008 11:02 AM
i am a fifty yr. old firefighter, recently i had an injury to my L6, L7 and was prescribed naproxen by my doctor. I have been having problems with my stomach, diarea, and stomach cramps. I will stop taking it for a while and see if the situation gets better .
Posted by guy gonzalez | May 6, 2008 10:49 PM
hi im 36 years old and was diagnosed with severe scoliosis at age 14 , i have a herrington rod fused to my spine and several ribs removed due to this ... now the doctors are telling me that the rod is deteriating and they gave me naproxen 500 mg will this stop the deteriating or are the doctors just trying to mask the real problem that i will become paralized when the rod degrades enough???? please help am totally lost
Posted by melissa | May 15, 2008 2:41 PM
I injured my shoulder at the gym and at 40 years old I decided to get it checked out just to be safe. The doctor said it was just a strain and gave me a cortozone shot and sent me home with naproxen. Two weeks later I got the scare of my life when I began to pass blood in my stool. I went to a specialist and found out that it was the naproxen. I quit taking it and am now fine. I can tell you one thing, I will definetly research anything I am perscribed in the future!
Posted by Nelson Merced | June 2, 2008 8:59 PM
I have tendonitis in my right hand and started 500mg Naproxen 2x daily. Immediately, I began to have blood in my stool and gained 4-5lbs fluid in one week. I also experienced crippling stomach pains one evening which persisted into the late night. I have stopped the Naproxen and was told by my pharmacist to call doctor and maybe switch to Motrin IB. Thanks everyone for their posts, very helpful.
Posted by Alison Brown | June 16, 2008 6:12 PM
TOOK ONE NAPROXEN, awake all night with stomach cramps and diarhea including some blood. Don ,t think these meds are always a good trade off for what they are treating. You take med for one thing and it causes something else. Nothing is a miracle drug WITHOUT a huge payoff. Watch what you take because doctors think nothing of handing you that RX and sending you on your way.
Posted by marian | August 17, 2008 2:16 PM
god i wish i had not took any tonight now,, just started on them
Posted by ann schofield | September 12, 2008 6:42 PM
I've been taking 500mg of Naproxen for back pain. I took it tonight before going to bed. I woke up in the middle of the night all swollen, especially swelling in my face. I also had a tingling in my arms and legs. I took a benadryl and the symtoms stopped. I definatly woun't be taking naproxin any more!
Posted by Becky | September 24, 2008 1:16 AM
Started taking naproxen 1 week ago for arthritis in both my feet, started feeling weak and sick after 5th day didn't hit me till I took 1 befor bed last night after feeling better thru day. Woke up same sick weak feeling & noticed heart fluttered all day yesterday & woke with heart flutters today. I.m not taking anymore of this drug and see how I feel, would rather live with the pain & stiffness in feet than how I feel today.
Posted by linda decker | September 28, 2008 12:51 PM
took 500 mg with very small amount of food and was dizzy and wobbly all day, now afraid to take it again as I cant work if i get dizzy, will full stomach help?
Posted by jim romano | November 20, 2008 12:09 PM
I have been taking them for some time for heel spurs. I started getting heart fluttering and tightness in chest (thought heart attack but all test showed healthy heart). Blood and stool and sudden weight gain. I was also getting abdominal pain and cramps. One day I ran out of the Naproxen and went the day without. That was a day with no abdominal pain or cramps. No shortness of breath or heart fluttering. Fortunately, my brain made the connection and I have since quit taking this poison!
Posted by Mary Lee | December 15, 2008 10:03 PM
Started taking Naproxen 2 weeks ago for Plantar Fascitis which is terrible pain on the bottom of your feet, i have had no side effects and the pain is 90% better, i won't take them for long but it is just a relief for a while.
Posted by Elizabeth Ackerley | December 16, 2008 12:18 PM
Naproxen SUCKS! Worst stomach/intestinal cramping, aching and bloating EVER, headaches as well....prescribed 500 mg 2X daily. Only took 2 out of the 7 days.....COULD NOT STAND THE PAIN THIS Rx INFLICTED ON MY BODY. God, the side effects of the Naproxen were 50 times worse than my original complaint. I'd rather suffer with my original pain than ever go through anything like the side effects of Naproxen again!
Posted by Pam Pettijohn | January 14, 2009 3:08 PM
Totally agree Naproxen SUCKS! I only took two did not sleep all time , still suffering stomach cramps. I suggest anyone suffering side effects of stomach cramps consults their GP - better alternatives must be available off the counter.
Posted by Narinder Sangha | January 15, 2009 10:49 AM
I started taking Naproxen for only 2 days to relieve swelling of my wisdom teeth ready to come out. I was fine the first day, but the next night i woke up with a huge back pain. I took another med; Aleve, to rid of the pain. Little did I know that they arent supposed to be mixed. I woke the next morning feeling nautious, dizzy, sick, and stomach pains like a B*ITCH. I went to work and seriously felt like I was gonna pass out. My stool was painful and constant. My heart was pounding, I was sweating, and had shortness of breath! Naproxen is horrible, it isn't worth the extra pain. I rather have a painful jaw. DO NOT MIX NAPROXEN WITH OTHER NSAIDs.
Posted by MC | January 20, 2009 4:35 PM
I had a heart valve replaced in 2005 and have suffered four times with a pleurisy type condition since. The doctor gave me 500mg doses of Naproxen on Saturday noon (1/24/09). Saturday night after attending a retirement party and having two coctails I took my second pill when I got home. Within 10 minutes I was in atrial-fib and heading to the hospital where it took 24 hours to get my heart back into standard rhythm. They are not sure what caused it but logic would tell you not to mix alcohol with drugs. Nevertheless, I'm am very concerned about the effects of Naproxen. Interestingly, the first pill did relieve my pleurisy symptoms!
Posted by Tom Hemauer | January 30, 2009 1:41 PM
I was prescribed Naproxen for inflammation of my jaw due to TMJ. When I got home the night after being prescribed this, I took the medication on a full stomach, not exactly with food but I had just finished eating minutes before. A few minutes into it, I felt like my heart was racing. Then I felt fine. I went to bed and about an hour later I woke up with the most intense stomach pain i've ever had in my life. It kept me up for another 5 hours. Finally, I was able to fall asleep for about an hour and then woke up to the sharp pains again. Strangely, it was more located right beneath my chest and just above my stomach. I couldn't have a bowel movement all day until later that night when I had diarrea. The diarrea didn't stop and I started throwing up along with it. That went on for the remainder of that night. Now, two nights after taking that ONE pill, i'm still sick. I've stayed in bed all day except to get up with the diarrea or to try and eat. Oh, there's another thing, when I stand up, the pain increases and when I eat, it's like my stomach doesn't fill up and the food, no matter how soft, hurts badly going down. Tomorrow I will call my doctor. Moral of the story, don't ever take Naproxen. It's horrible!
Posted by JD | February 15, 2009 6:13 PM
Hey I took one naproxen 500mg one night and I have 2 days suffering from the worse stomach cramps I ever have.
dont recommend the pill at all.
Posted by lyna | March 22, 2009 8:51 AM
Hi. I did myself a wrist nerve injury in late 2005. Since then, I have been on oxycontin, morphine, methadone, and many other drugs to try and ease the pain. Now I have a frozen shoulder, and the pain continues. I was prescribed Naproxen 500 April 2 of this year. I have not suffered the major side effects that I have seen here, but I feel the ones I have far outway the benefit I am having. I can't honestly say the headaches are as bad, but the other pain doesn't seem to be any better.
I take 1000 to 1500 daily, and really the only difference I feel is that my sleep is even more disturbed. I am still on Methadone, Nortriptylene, and Venlafaxine, and I really wish I could get off all of it, and have some sort of a normal life. At times, it honestly seems to be foolish to even try to go on. I now feel that if one is able to deal with the pain, and not use drugs, life would be a lot more uncomplicated.
My sympathy for everyone that has had bad experiences personally, or for a family member.
Posted by Ken | April 7, 2009 2:35 PM
Hi. I did myself a wrist nerve injury in late 2005. Since then, I have been on oxycontin, morphine, methadone, and many other drugs to try and ease the pain. Now I have a frozen shoulder, and the pain continues. I was prescribed Naproxen 500 April 2 of this year. I have not suffered the major side effects that I have seen here, but I feel the ones I have far outway the benefit I am having. I can't honestly say the headaches are as bad, but the other pain doesn't seem to be any better.
I take 1000 to 1500 daily, and really the only difference I feel is that my sleep is even more disturbed. I am still on Methadone, Nortriptylene, and Venlafaxine, and I really wish I could get off all of it, and have some sort of a normal life. At times, it honestly seems to be foolish to even try to go on. I now feel that if one is able to deal with the pain, and not use drugs, life would be a lot more uncomplicated.
My sympathy for everyone that has had bad experiences personally, or for a family member.
Posted by Ken | April 7, 2009 2:35 PM
Ok people you are having these problems A. because you are not eating before taking this pill which will obviously give you stomache pains, you must eat this will cause stomache bleeding and ulcers. B. You shouldnt be taking it for so long someone said their mother took it for 2 years? Thats just crazy!! I have been prescribed Naproxen for a number of problems, headaches, toothaches, lumbar sprain, shoulder pain....etc... and it does really help alot
Posted by Carmen | April 17, 2009 10:12 AM
I'm so sorry for what happen to your mother. My mom died exactly a year later after yours. Same day. She went for open heart surgery and caught a bateria in the operation room. after that hundreds of medications were prescripved. She was fed up with so many pills. These "doctors" have the right to kill you!!
As for mayself, I went to see my doctor yesterday 4/20/09 with severe headache and no able to have a soung in my voice. She found I have VIRAL PHARYNGITIS. she prescripved me NAPROXEN 500MG. But after reading all these, I'll make sure I eat before I take the pill. no take more than 2 a day, and also make sure I stop them sooner I feel better.
GOD BLESS YOU.
Posted by Brenda C | April 21, 2009 9:58 AM
I had back sprain, and my doctor prescribed me naxopren 500 mg 2x 7days. He told me not to stop taking the pills; He also told me to eat those with food. I have taken my first pill after dinner (5/29/2009) with one and a half glass of water and I feel the pill still in my throat. I do not know what is going to happend later. Just Before I took the pill I felt a sensation to not to take the pill but took anyway. Now, I prayed so I can feel if I have to still taken it. I heard from a lady who graduate of chemestry. She recommeded me not to take any pills unless you really need it. She added that pills can help sometimes, but most of the time it will affect another organs in the future. It is better to cure naturally, avoiding as possible to take pills.
Posted by Carla | May 30, 2009 1:17 AM
I have stopped taking this drug. I did not notice any real relief, and have to contend with the side effects. I was sure to eat, drink lots of water, and rest for extended periods of time after taking, and am still suffering from the side effects. Now, I feel I just have to suffer through the headaches and pain, but I still feel that's better than dealing with the problems the drug causes me.
Posted by Ken | May 31, 2009 6:25 PM
l have been prescrib ed naproxen 500mg 3 times a day for osteoarthritis in my knees l was concerned about taking them because l also sometimes suffer from i.b.s. thought l would look them up on google l am glad l did my family were telling me l must take them but l most definately won`t be now .Thank you for all your comments and my heartfelt sympathy to the young lady who lost her mum . Guess l am just going to be coming down stairs on my bottom from now on ! better that than taking these l just felt l didn`t want to take them from the start.
Posted by Heather | June 5, 2009 5:50 PM
I'm replying to JD's post - I want to know: did you go to the doctor and what did they say? Because I have exactly the same symptoms.
I was taking naproxen for a leg strain injury and about a week after taking it I had the worst abdominal cramps - directly beneath my ribs.
it also hurts more standing up and feels like I haven't eaten anything.
I haven't taken it for 5 days and still have really bad pain.
Note: I ALWAYS took Naproxen after a good sized meal.
2nd note: I wonder if I should go to the doctor but because of my leg injury I don't want to unless I have to as I require someone else to drive me.
Posted by Aphrodite | June 24, 2009 6:14 PM
Hello again. I refused to take this drug, when asked to try it again for the headaches. I honestly believe this is one instance where the cure is almost worse than the disease. This may only be the experience that I have had, and I hope that if you are taking it, it does well for you. My problem has been officially tagged as Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome, (CRPS), and it looks like I am sentenced to have this problem for as long as I live. I do have some exceptional doctors, and our hope is that they possibly will find something that will reduce the pain, but still let me function. Its amazing how we never think that anything like this can happen to us. All the best.
Ken
Posted by Ken Rogers | June 24, 2009 6:38 PM