Aleve Side Effects
Summary
The most common side effects of Aleve include upset stomach, blurry vision and headache. Some of the serious side effects associated with naproxen include bleeding ulcers, decrease in urine production, severe stomach pain, rapid weight gain and black or tarry stools.
Common Aleve Side Effects
The most common side effects of Aleve mimic those caused by other over-the-counter NSAID medications. NSAID medications are well known for causing a variety of stomach troubles that range from very mild to life threatening. They include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
These side effects are often very mild and go away on their own during treatment. Patients are encouraged to use over-the-counter products to relieve some of the milder stomach issues that are associated with taking Aleve.
Serious Aleve Side Effects
Most of the more serious side effects of aleve occur with higher doses when they are taken over long periods of time. The most common serious side effects are gastrointestinal in nature:
- Stomach lining irritation
- Perforation of the stomach
- Bleeding in the stomach or intestines
- Severe stomach pain
Other serious side effects that are not related to the gastrointestinal tract include:
- Increased risk for heart attack or stroke
- Swelling of the hands or feet
- Circulation problems
Physicians and patients alike should monitor for these Aleve side effects very closely and consider changing medication types if any of them are present. People who have had stomach ulcers or other gastrointestinal problems in the past may be to try different medications as opposed to NSAIDs.
Reducing the Risks of Side Effects
Aleve is an over-the-counter drug that carries with it a slight risk of very serious and sometimes fatal side effects. It is very important to understand all of the side effects before beginning treatment.
Patients are encouraged to take the smallest effective dose of Aleve for the shortest amount of time possible in order to reduce the risk of experiencing worsening mild side effects or even potentially life-threatening stomach issues. The most serious side effects can occur at any time and without warning, so patients should know when it is important for them to seek medical help. The only way to completely avoid these effects is by not taking NSAID pain relievers and fever reducers.
Who Should NOT Use Aleve
The manufacturers of Aleve advise against its use in children under the age of 12 or anyone who has had severe gastrointestinal problems in the past.
People who have had adverse reactions to other NSAID medications in the past should avoid the use of naproxen, Aleve and any other NSAID medication.
Naproxen may cause harm to anyone who has a bleeding disorder, certain heart conditions, asthma, kidney or liver disease and a history of heart attack or stroke. People with these conditions should only use naproxen if the benefits of taking the medication clearly outweigh the risks of any possible side effects. People with compromised blood circulation should also avoid Aleve.
Aleve is a great medication for relieving minor to moderate pain and is available over-the-counter. Naproxen is available in several prescription strengths. Patients should take great care to understand all of the possible side effects in order to stay in good health and avoid possible health risks during their treatment.
