Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmD
Last updated on 6/18/2024

Drug Information | Side Effects | Use & Dosage | Request a Prescription

The use of naproxen can lead to various side effects in some individuals.

Common mild side effects of naproxen use include:

• Heartburn
  
• Indigestion
  
• Nausea
  
• Constipation
  
• Excessive thirst
  
• Headache
  
• Dizziness
  
• Drowsiness
  
• Lightheadedness
  
• Ringing in the ears
  
• Hearing problems
  
  

More severe side effects include:

• Vision changes
  
• Weight gain
  
• High blood pressure
  
• Heart attack or stroke
  
• Signs of an allergic reaction (like hives, skin rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing)
  
• Bloody or tarry stools (GI bleeding)
  
• Severe stomach pain
  
• Flu symptoms
  
• Signs of liver problems (like pain in the upper-right part of the stomach, flu-like symptoms, dark urine, clay-colored stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes)
  
• Back pain
  
• Pain during urination or difficulty with urination
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Confusion
  
• Tiredness
  
  

If you experience any severe or concerning side effects while taking naproxen, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, allergies, or other medications you are taking before starting treatment with naproxen. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, as they may interact with naproxen.

Tell your provider if you are taking these medications or supplements:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
  
• Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
  
• Beta-blockers
  
• Bile acid sequestrants
  
• Blood thinners
  
• Immunosuppressants
  
• Cardiac glycosides
  
• Diuretics
  
• Mood stabilizers and antidepressants
  
• Antidiabetics
  
• Chemotherapy drugs
  
• Anticonvulsants
  
• Drugs used to treat gout
  
• Antibiotics
  
• Antacids
  
• Drugs used to treat gastrointestinal ulcers
  
• Other NSAIDs
  
  

You should also mention medical conditions such as:

• Heart disease
  
• Heart attack
  
• Stroke
  
• Blood clots
  
• High blood pressure
  
• High cholesterol
  
• Diabetes
  
• Stomach ulcers or bleeding
  
• Asthma
  
• Anemia
  
• Fluid retention
  
• Liver disease
  
• Kidney disease
  
• Smoking
  
  

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits of using naproxen with your healthcare provider.

Take naproxen exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment.

Your provider may direct you to take naproxen with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.

Naproxen can cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

Complete the full course of treatment, even if you feel better, to ensure the medication's effectiveness in managing your symptoms.

In case of a naproxen overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, or difficulty breathing. If you suspect an overdose, contact the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 or call emergency services.