Naproxen is an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory. For this reason, it is used very frequently by the population. This drug does not cause addiction problems, but when combined with alcohol, it can enhance some of its effects.
This medicine is frequently prescribed for pain, inflammation, and even fever. Therefore, when you ingest naproxen, you should be careful if you drink alcohol, as there is a possibility that the combination of both generates a problem or enhances the effects of this drug, which could affect your body.
This FastlyHealarticle details the question, ” can you take alcohol with naproxen? “. In addition, you will know what effects it will produce when mixed with alcohol and in which cases to use it.
Table of Contents
What is naproxen for?
Naproxen is a drug that belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is a drug with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. It is indicated to relieve mild to moderate pain because it offers an immediate solution from the moment treatment is started. Its primary use is for:
- Relieve headaches, toothaches, and joint and back pain.
- Some cases of migraine.
- Reduce menstrual cramps.
- Lower the fever.
- Treatment of inflammations.
- Gout cases.
- Sprains and ankylosing spondylitis.
- When joint stiffness occurs, as in rheumatoid arthritis.
- The postoperative period of surgical interventions.
- When it is required to treat chronic pain, where it can be used for months or even a year.
In addition to the above indications, this medication is used to treat Bartter syndrome, which occurs when the body cannot absorb the potassium it requires, causing cramps and muscle weakness.
If I take naproxen, can I drink alcohol?
The indiscriminate intake of alcohol by itself generates a series of symptoms such as:
- Dry mouth.
- Increased urine output (urine), which can lead to dehydration.
- Loss of electrolytes.
- Sickness.
- Threw up.
- Headache.
- Hypothermia.
- Drowsiness.
- Difficulty performing movements of articulating words.
You must bear in mind that alcohol interacts with many medications, so mixing it with any drug is restricted. While you are taking naproxen, you should not drink alcohol.
Be clear that the ingestion of large amounts of alcohol can increase the drowsiness that this drug produces. In addition, there is a high risk of suffering gastric irritation, which can become a gastric ulcer. Depending on the degree of injury, bleeding, heart attacks, and strokes may occur even though their use is for a short time.
This risk can appear from the first weeks of taking it. The heart and the stomach are the organs most susceptible to being affected when alcohol is mixed with naproxen.
Naproxen side effects
Taking naproxen without a prescription or long-term use of it in inappropriate doses are common causes of side effects such as:
Digestive disorders
- Constipation.
- Dyspepsia.
- Diarrhea.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding.
Cardiovascular disorders
- Heart failure and, in some cases, high blood pressure.
- Fluid retention and edema.
Liver disorders
- Jaundice.
- Hepatitis.
- Cholestasis
Neurological disorders
- Anxiety.
- Nervousness.
- Confusion.
- Drowsiness.
- Insomnia.
- Depression.
Dermatological disorders
- Itching.
- Rash-type lesions.
Eye disorders
- Conjunctivitis.
- Blurry vision.
- Corneal opacity.
In the auditory part, the appearance of tinnitus and vertigo occurs occasionally.
How to Avoid Naproxen Side Effects
The main thing to keep in mind when starting the intake of this drug is that you should consult with your doctor. He will be the one to recommend the use of this drug according to the symptoms and diagnosis you have.
The use of naproxen should be for a short time, with a low dose, to obtain an analgesic response. An adult must ingest between 550 to 1100 mg every 6 to 8 hours. It is ingested orally, so it will be administered later in meals to avoid gastrointestinal disorders.
Self-medication can be a risk when taking naproxen without prior medical authorization, as can drinking alcohol in large quantities during treatment.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.