Naproxen Side Effects

What are the Side Effects of Naproxen?

The side effects of naproxen can be severe and it is important to discuss these with your doctor and physician before you start taking this medication. The biggest concern is the naproxen heart risk side effect because of the blood thinning property of this non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Anyone with a weakened immune system, such as infants and the elderly, are prompted to use extreme caution when taking naproxen and similar pain relievers. If the medication was prescribed the doctor weighed the naproxen heart risk and other side effects against the possible gain and determined that you would benefit from taking it versus not, but knowing the possible side effects of naproxen will allow you to take charge of the process.

The most common side effects of naproxen include: upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, headache, drowsiness, and or dizziness. These relatively minor side effects can be symptoms of more serious side effects of naproxen, and it is best to tell your doctor if they persist for few days or worsen. The more serious side effects including naproxen heart risk include: easier bruising, non-stop bleeding, sudden painful swallowing, hearing changes, mood swings, swelling of your extremities, unexplained weight gain, change in volume of urine, unexplained stiff neck, vision changes, and unusual fatigue.

Beyond the naproxen heart risk, the second most serious of the side effects of naproxen is a compromised liver, including liver disease that can be fatal. Symptoms to be aware of regarding liver damage include: darker than normal urine, persistent digestive problems, abdominal pain, and/or yellowing eyes/skin (jaundice). As with any medication there is a rare possibility that you may be allergic and if you have any allergy related reaction, seek immediate emergency medical assistance.

If you are going to be taking this medication regularly it is important to figure out the compatible dose of naproxen that you can take and not affect any of your other medications. Discussing the possible benefits and side effects of naproxen with your doctor will ensure that you are taking a medication that will help your health and wellbeing and not cause potentially fatal consequences. The drug may also make you dizzy and it is important to know how you react before you consider operating a vehicle or any machinery. Also the side effects of naproxen are exacerbated with daily use of alcohol and tobacco, which can accelerate the destruction of your digestive tract. This medication can also make you more sensitive to the harmful rays of sunlight and extend exposure, such as tanning, should be avoided.