Aleve pain reliever (Naproxen) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that relieves pain and inflammation by reducing chemical signals that cause pain and inflammation. Aleve can be used to treat arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, gout and menstrual cramps, according to Drugs.com. Although Aleve can be effective in treating these conditions, it cannot cure them. As with all medications, you should be aware of the possible side effects and what to do if you experience them.
Digestive Tract Side Effects
Aleve may cause serious unwanted side effects on your gastrointestinal system, according to Drugs.com. This occurs because Aleve inhibits certain molecular substances in your digestive tract that protect the lining of your stomach. Therefore, stomach acid can injure surrounding tissue. This can result in coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; black, clay-colored, bloody or tarry stools; dark urine; and jaundice. These are serious symptoms and you should immediately stop taking Aleve and call your doctor if you are experiencing them.
You may also experience less serious side effects that include nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, upset stomach, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and gas. These side effects will likely improve as your body adjusts to Aleve. Take Aleve with food if you begin to experience these effects. You may also take over-the-counter stomach relief medications if these less serious side effects become bothersome.
Nervous System Side Effects
Drugs.com states that you may experience unwanted side effects to your nervous system. This occurs because Aleve alters certain chemical signals that help cells in your brain communicate with each other. Altering these chemical signals may cause weakness, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance, urinating less than usual or not at all, headache, tingling, numbness, pain, neck stiffness, or muscle weakness. You should immediately stop taking Aleve and call your doctor if you are experiencing these serious nervous system side effects. Avoid driving and operating heavy machinery.
Skin Side Effects
You may notice changes in your skin while taking Aleve pain reliever. Serious side effects include severe blistering with a headache, peeling, red skin rash or purple spots on the skin, states Drugs.com. Avoid applying skin creams to these rashes until you talk to your doctor. However, you may apply a non-medicated skin cream to your skin if you experience mild symptoms, such as a slight skin itching.
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