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Naproxyn Side Effects

Naproxen is a drug that is related to the same class of drugs as ibuprofen (Motrin) and many others. These drugs are used to manage mild to moderate pain. They work by greatly limiting the effects of prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), which are enzymes that govern how pain is distributed through the body. Naproxen was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1991.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • The common side effects of naproxen are nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, fluid retention, constipation and shortness of breath. Naproxen reduces the ability of blood to coagulate. Naproxen may also cause ulcers, intestinal bleeding and stomach pain. In addition, signs of weakness, lethargy and dizziness upon movement may become apparent. It is possible for many of these signs to appear without abdominal pain.

    Allergic Reactions

    • Naproxen may cause allergic reactions, which are considered severe, including mouth swelling, chest pain, confusion, dark-colored urine, irregular heartbeat, sore throat, fever, chills and changes in mood. In addition naproxen may also causes ringing in the ears, seizures, numbness in an extremity, peeling of skin, tiredness or weakness. Naproxen may also cause changes in speech or vision. In extreme cases naproxen may also cause jaundice.

    Central Nervous System Side Effects

    • Naproxen may cause side effects that affect your cardiovascular system. It is common for blood pressure to be elevated by naproxen. The increase in blood pressure is due to elevated levels of sodium in the bloodstream, because naproxen is a salt-based medication. An increase in sodium in the bloodstream leads to increased risk for cardiovascular-based ailments.

    Drug Interactions

    • Naproxen may interact with several different types of other drugs. Naproxen has the potential to increase the levels of lithium present in the blood. This may lead to a toxic level of lithium in the blood.

      Naproxen also has the potential to lower the overall blood pressure of a person who is taking it because it effects the level of prostaglandins in the blood, which help govern overall blood-pressure level.

      People who are taking blood thinners should avoid taking Naproxen, as it also thins the blood,and excessive blood thinning may lead to bleeding.

    Considerations

    • Naxproxen is a drug that should only be taken by those it is prescribed to. Naproxen has the ability to affect both blood pressure and blood. When prescribed the naproxen, an individual should follow all of the information provided on the label.

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