Naproxen & Fish Oil

Most non-narcotic over-the-counter pain relievers classify as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Naproxen falls into this category along with ibuprofen and aspirin, medications used in the management of arthritis symptoms. A 2005 study published in the journal "Surgical Neurology" suggests that fish oil may provide NSAID-like relief.

Naproxen Uses

Naproxen, whether you buy it over the counter or take a stronger dose prescribed by your doctor, helps relieve pain associated with inflammation. Typically, practitioners recommend naproxen and other NSAIDs to decrease inflammation that occurs in various forms of arthritis. These include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, among others. NSAIDs also can help any type of pain that occurs because of inflammation. For example, if you hurt your knee and experience swelling and inflammation, naproxen may help to ease these symptoms.

Fish Oil Uses

Fish oil supplements sold OTC have different uses that doctors recommend them for. For example, if you have high cholesterol, especially triglycerides, fish oil can help to lower the amount present in your body. These helps to keep your arteries clear, decreases blood pressure and reduces the risks of heart disease, strokes and heart attacks. Research suggests that fish oil capsules also may, over time, help to stabilize your moods if you suffer from bipolar disorder, according to Dr. Andrew Stoll in his 2002 book "The Omega-3 Connection: The Groundbreaking Antidepression Diet and Brain Program." Omega-3s also can act like NSAIDs, reducing inflammation and thus the pain associated with it, according to the 2005 study published in the journal "Surgical Neurology." It found that people with pain caused by inflammation received relief akin to that produced by NSAIDs when omega-3s were taken.

Naproxen Side Effects

Like most NSAIDs, naproxen can produce some serious side effects. The medicine can make it difficult for you to breathe normally, MayoClinic.com reports. You may feel short of breath when taking the drug, and you may wheeze when you exhale. Naproxen can cause chest pain or a sensation of chest tightness. You may get headaches from it and you may notice bruising. If you do experience any of these types of side effects, speak with your practitioner immediately. This medicine also can induce hearing problems such as noises in your ears and a loss of hearing. These side effects generally end a few days after you start using naproxen, but seek your doctor's aid if they do not.

Fish Oil Side Effects

Fish oil omega-3 capsules can make you taste fish in your mouth for a few days after you start using it. You may belch with the same type of resulting taste. For a few days, you may have an upset stomach while your body adjusts to the supplement. If you have cardiovascular problems and you use a blood-thinning agent such as warfarin, fish oil can increase the effects, posing a possible danger to you. Ask your doctor first if you can take fish oil with a blood thinner.

Interactions

Drugs.com notes that no interactions between naproxen and fish oil have been reported. It is possible for you to experience some unique interaction problems not yet noted by medical researchers, so contact your physician if you notice anything unusual when you use the two together.