Naproxen: Uses, Side Effects, and What You Need to Know

When you need fast relief from pain or swelling, naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. Also known as Aleve, it’s one of the most widely used over-the-counter pain relievers in the U.S. Unlike acetaminophen, which just dulls pain, naproxen actually targets the source of inflammation—making it especially helpful for arthritis, muscle strains, menstrual cramps, and headaches caused by swelling.

People often mix up naproxen with ibuprofen or aspirin, but they’re not the same. NSAIDs, a class of drugs that block enzymes causing pain and inflammation. Also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, they include naproxen, ibuprofen, and celecoxib. Naproxen lasts longer—up to 12 hours—so you don’t need to take it as often as ibuprofen. But that also means it sticks around in your system longer, which increases the risk of stomach irritation or kidney strain if you use it too much or too often. If you’re on blood pressure meds or have a history of ulcers, talk to your doctor before using it regularly.

It’s not just about popping a pill. How you take naproxen matters. Taking it with food cuts down on stomach upset. Avoid alcohol—it raises your risk of bleeding. And don’t combine it with other NSAIDs, even if they’re sold as "natural" or "gentle." Many cold and flu mixes already contain NSAIDs, so you might be doubling up without realizing it. gastrointestinal side effects, common risks linked to long-term NSAID use, including stomach bleeding and ulcers. These aren’t rare—they happen more often than people admit, especially in older adults.

The posts below cover real-world scenarios where naproxen comes up: how it interacts with other meds, what to do if it stops working, how it compares to natural alternatives, and when to switch to something else. You’ll find advice from people who’ve used it for years, those who had bad reactions, and others who found better options after trying naproxen. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, dealing with a sudden injury, or just trying to avoid side effects, there’s something here that applies to you.