- People use nonprescription naproxen to relieve headaches, arthritis pain, muscle aches, menstruation, backaches and other conditions that cause relatively mild pain. Naproxen also reduces fever.
- Doctors prescribe naproxen to relieve the stiffness, swelling and more intense pain associated with various disorders. These include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis and tendinitis.
- Naproxen, like other NSAIDs, reduces the levels of prostaglandins in the body, chemicals that cause pain, inflammation and fever. Naproxen blocks cyclooxygenase, the enzyme that makes these chemicals.
- Naproxen can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, and also can have serious effects on the stomach and intestines, such as the development of ulcers.
- The most common side effects from naproxen use include ringing in the ears, dizziness, drowsiness, heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea or constipation.
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