Naproxen sodium is an over-the-counter pain reliever widely available at many pharmacies, often sold under the brand name Aleve produced by Bayer Healthcare. Naproxen is also available at higher doses by prescription, and is indicated to help with pain due to muscle aches, fever, and arthritis. Naproxen sodium does carry a host of potential side effects of which to be aware before you begin with the medicine.
Common Side Effects
When used as directed and at lower doses, the common side effects of naproxen sodium are fairly mild. Naproxen can often produce a buzzing or ringing sensation in the ears. Another potential common side effect of naproxen is a feeling of heartburn, which more likely to occur if you take the medication without enough food in your stomach. Other side effects to be aware of when taking naproxen include lightheadedness, dizziness, insomnia, and diarrhea. These effects can be bothersome, but tend to subside as you become accustomed to the medication -- however, contact your doctor if you continually experience any of these common side effects.
Serious Side Effects
Certain less common potential side effects of naproxen sodium can be immediate and pronounced. Call your doctor if you experience any of these, which include chest pain, difficulty breathing, painful urination, swelling, rash or hives, difficulty swallowing, and pain centered in the upper right part of your stomach. These side effects may prevent you from taking naproxen sodium, and your doctor will advise you on a better medication for your needs.
Potential Interactions
Naproxen has the potential to interact with many medications, and may produce side effects specific to each interaction. You should not use naproxen especially if you are taking the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketorolac or the blood-thinning medication pentoxifylline. Naproxen may interact adversely with aspirin, as well as with commonly-prescribed antidepressants such as escitalopram, sertraline, and fluoxetine. Other possible interactions may occur when combining naproxen sodium with valproic acid, diazepam, phenytoin, phenobarbital and many other prescription drugs of varying classes and functions. If you are currently taking any prescription medication, consult with your physician on whether you should concurrently use naproxen.
Signs of Overdose
Certain side effects of naproxen can indicate an overdose of the drug -- and you must get emergency medical help immediately if any of these arise: mental confusion, extreme tiredness, serious stomach pain, nausea or vomiting and slowed or severely impaired breathing.
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