Naproxen and Alcohol
What is Naproxen?
Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It blocks the body’s production of prostaglandin which causes inflammation. The medication comes in tablet or liquid form that is normally taken two or three times a day. It’s best to avoid combining Naproxen and alcohol as serious side effects are possible.
Common proprietary names for Naproxen include Aleve, EC-Naprosyn, Flanax, Midol, Naprelan, Naprosyn, Anaprox-DS, Pamprin, and Naproxen Sodium.
Individuals who are allergic to aspirin, ibuprofen, or celecoxib may have allergic reactions to Naproxen as well. The drug is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, as there may be a link between Naproxen and some birth defects or miscarriage. Also, it is not recommended during breastfeeding.
What Does Naproxen Treat?
Side Effects of Naproxen
Many people who use Naproxen will not experience serious side effects. If your doctor prescribed this medication for you, he or she has determined that the benefits outweigh the risk of side effects.
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Increased blood pressure
- Easy bruising, bleeding
- Difficulty swallowing
- Ringing in the ears
- Mood swings
- Stiff neck
- Skin rashes
- Vision changes
- Swelling of ankles, feet
- Unusual tiredness
- Weight changes
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Difficulty speaking
- Swelling of face or throat
- Kidney problems
- Jaundice
- Risk of heart disease after long-term or high dose use
- Low red blood cell count
- Bloody vomit and stool
- Ulcers and bleeding in the stomach, intestines
- Weakness in one side of the body
Contact your doctor if these symptoms appear to be getting worse. Also, combining Naproxen and alcohol can cause these symptoms to intensify.
Naproxen comes with black-box warnings, meaning the effects of the drug may be dangerous.
Is Naproxen Addictive?
Naproxen is not addictive. Also, the drug won’t produce a high. However, if a person increases their dosage or takes the drug more frequently than prescribed, they may develop a tolerance to the medication. This means you’ll need to take more of the drug to get the desired effects.
- Mood changes
- Defensiveness
- Anxiety
- Low pain tolerance
- Lethargy
- Brain fog
Also, combining Naproxen and alcohol greatly increases the risk of stomach bleeding or ulcers.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Discontinuing Naproxen
Generally, there are no specific withdrawal symptoms of discontinuing Naproxen. However, a person will experience a reoccurrence of the inflammation or pain that the drug was treating. In most cases, it takes only 12 to 17 hours for the drug to leave your system.
Dangers of Combining Naproxen and Alcohol
Naproxen reduces prostaglandin in the body which is responsible for inflammatory reactions. Prostaglandin thickens and protects the stomach lining. Without this natural protection, the stomach can bleed when exposed to large amounts of Naproxen, alcohol, or a combination of both.
- Heartburn and digestion problems
- Holes in the stomach or intestine
- Blood in the stool
- Bloody vomit
- Potential to develop alcohol dependency
Someone who mixes alcohol and Naproxen regularly may be suffering from alcohol addiction.
How to Quit Using Naproxen
Typically, there are no side effects from suddenly discontinuing Naproxen, especially if used short-term. However, the individual may notice a return of their pain or inflammation when the drug is withheld. These symptoms usually reappear within 12 to 17 hours after discontinuing the medication.
If you still need help with pain after stopping Naproxen, talk to your doctor about possible alternatives.
How A Forever Recovery Can Help
If you or someone you know is mixing Naproxen and alcohol, you may need professional treatment to address both issues simultaneously. Most people don’t need treatment to withdraw from Naproxene, however, when it is combined with compulsive alcohol abuse, it may be safer to seek help.
At A Forever Recovery, our comprehensive program can adapt to treat individuals who struggle with more than one addiction. Our evidence-based approach ensures that a person heals physically, mentally, and spiritually for lasting recovery. Contact us today at our toll-free number to learn more about our program and how it can help you overcome Naproxen and alcohol issues.
- webmd.com– Naproxen Tablet
- medlineplus.gov – Naproxen