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Effects of Naproxen
Naproxen (brand names include Aleve®, Naprosyn®, EC-Naprosyn®, Anaprox®, Anaprox® DS, and Naprelan®) is a medication that has several uses, such as relieving pain, treating arthritis symptoms, and treating painful menstrual symptoms. Naproxen has also been shown to be effective when combined with other medications in a number of cold, allergy, and flu products.
The medicine works by inhibiting the action of certain hormones, called prostaglandins, that cause inflammation and pain in the body. By blocking prostaglandins, naproxen can:
- Reduce fever
- Reduce pain related to bone, muscle, or tendon injury or inflammation
- Alleviate pain and joint swelling associated with different forms of arthritis and other conditions.
Just like any medication, naproxen can cause side effects. Some of the most commonly reported reactions in clinical trials included stomach pain, constipation, nausea, and heartburn.
(For more details on the effects of this drug, click Naproxen. This article offers information on naproxen's uses, available strengths, other potential side effects, and more.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD