Common questions about naproxen

Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Paracetamol is usually the best treatment for most types of pain, but naproxen is better for some types, such as period pain or back pain.

You should start to feel better about 1 hour after taking naproxen. But it might take up to 3 days for naproxen to work properly if you take it regularly twice a day.

Naproxen can cause an ulcer in your stomach or gut if you take it for a long time or in big doses. There's also a small risk that people taking very big doses for a long time may get heart failure or kidney failure. It's best to take the lowest dose that works for the shortest possible time.

If you need to take naproxen very often or you're taking a big dose, talk to your doctor about your pain.

No, naproxen is not addictive, but it's important to always take it as prescribed.

The type of painkiller that's best for you depends on what type of pain you have and the cause of your pain.

If naproxen does not get rid of your pain, you can try painkillers that you can buy from shops and pharmacies, such as paracetamol or co-codamol (paracetamol combined with low-dose codeine).

If the medicine you buy is not controlling your pain, your doctor may recommend another type of treatment to help your pain, such as exercise or physiotherapy. Your doctor may also be able to prescribe a stronger painkiller, such as higher dose co-codamol or codeine.

Naproxen does not work for some types of pain, such as nerve pain. Your doctor will have to prescribe a different medicine if your pain is related to your nerves.

Naproxen can cause an ulcer in your stomach or gut if you take it for a long time or in big doses, or if you're older or in poor general health.

Your doctor may tell you not to take naproxen if you have a stomach ulcer or you have had one in the past. If you need to take naproxen but are at risk of getting a stomach ulcer, your doctor may prescribe another medicine for you to take alongside naproxen to protect your stomach.

The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain in the centre of the stomach. But stomach ulcers are not always painful and some people may have other symptoms, such as indigestion, heartburn and feeling sick.

If you're prone to stomach ulcers or have had one before, take paracetamol instead of naproxen as it's gentler on your stomach.

In rare cases, taking anti-inflammatory medicines may increase the chances of getting heart failure. But the risk is very small for most people.

If you find you need to take naproxen very often or you're taking doses higher than recommended, talk to your doctor about your pain. Some anti-inflammatory medicines are less risky than others. Your doctor will be able to help you decide which is the best one for you.

Naproxen is safe for occasional use when taken as advised by a doctor.

If you have problems with your kidney function, talk to your doctor about the best anti-inflammatory to take.

NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of sudden kidney failure and even progressive kidney damage.

Some anti-inflammatory medicines, including naproxen, are thought to increase the chance of you getting an irregular heartbeat (such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter).

But the chance of getting an irregular heartbeat is small and not enough to recommend people stop taking these medicines.

If you're prescribed naproxen for a long-term condition, keep taking it and talk to your doctor if you're worried.

Taking naproxen in occasional doses or short courses (2 or 3 days) is safe.

It's been reported that women taking some anti-inflammatory medicines, including naproxen, twice a week for more than a year have a higher chance of losing their hearing. But there's no proof that naproxen and similar anti-inflammatory medicines cause hearing loss. Hearing loss is common as people get older.

If you notice any sudden changes with your hearing, speak to your doctor straight away.

If you have to take naproxen several days a week, talk to your doctor about what's causing your pain and whether there are better ways to manage it.

Naproxen does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.

If naproxen changes your vision in any way, do not drive, cycle, or use machinery or tools until you can see again.

It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking naproxen. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.

Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking naproxen. But drinking too much alcohol may irritate your stomach.