How Long Can You Take Aleve For Back Pain

Drug Interactions And Overdose

Many OTC medications contain NSAIDs. For this reason, it’s crucial to read all medication labels before using them. Also, be sure you’re getting only one dose of an NSAID at a time.

Nutritional supplements, herbs, recreational drugs, and caffeine can interact with naproxen and change the way it works in your body. Speak with your doctor about all medications and supplements you take before taking Aleve.

Medications that may interact with naproxen in a harmful way include:

• Alendronate, taken to prevent bone loss
• Other NSAIDs, including aspirin
• Herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or Ginkgo biloba
• Lithium medication such as Eskalith and Lithobid

If you think you may have overdosed, call 911 or your local poison control center.

What Are Your Options

If you try acetaminophen for a backache and it doesn’t work as well as you need it to, then stop taking it, says Dr. Katz. “Three to five days is all you need to find out if it will work.”

Also, you don’t necessarily have to choose between acetaminophen and NSAIDs you could try both at the same time. “They are often used in combination, because they don’t appear to have additive side effects, while many people find that they have additive benefits,” Dr. Katz says.

Finally, remember that pain relievers are just one tool available to men with back pain, whether occasional or chronic. Make sure to do all the other things mentioned above to recover from or prevent future flare-ups.

Can Nsaids Cause Allergic Reactions

Rarely, an NSAID can cause a generalized allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock. If this happens, it usually occurs soon after the person starts taking the NSAID. The symptoms of this reaction include:

• Swollen eyes, lips or tongue.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Rapid heart rate.
• Chest pain or tightness.

If any of these symptoms occur, call 9-1-1 or have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Remember, before any medication is prescribed, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to any medications, foods or other substances.
• If you currently take any other medications and/or herbal or dietary supplements.
• If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
• If you have problems taking any medications.
• If you have anemia, kidney or liver disease, stomach or peptic ulcers, heart disease, high blood pressure, bleeding or clotting problems, asthma or growth in the nose .

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/25/2020.

References

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Common Nsaids For Back And Neck Pain

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a popular class of medication that can help relieve back and neck pain. There are about 20 types of NSAIDs sold in the United States, but four dominate the market:

• Aspirin

See Medications for Back Pain and Neck Pain

The strength of these medications varies. Typically, the prescription version is 2 to 4 times stronger than those sold over the counter. Prescribing doctors often give specific instructions on the medication dosage and schedule based on an individuals situation it is important to follow these directions carefully and not exceed the listed dose.

What Are The Side Effects Of Aleve Back And Muscle Pain

Get emergency medical help if you have . signs of an allergic reactionor a severe skin reaction

Stop using naproxen and seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath. signs of a heart attack or stroke:

Stop using naproxen and call your doctor at once if you have:

• shortness of breath
• swelling or rapid weight gain
• the first sign of any skin rash or blister, no matter how mild
• signs of stomach bleeding–bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• liver problems–nausea, upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice
• kidney problems–little or no urination, painful urination, swelling in your feet or ankles or
• low red blood cells –pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

• headache
• indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain or
• flu symptoms

Common side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Before Taking This Medicine

Aleve may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using naproxen, especially in older adults.

You should not use Aleve if you are allergic to naproxen, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Ask a doctor before giving Aleve to a child younger than 12 years old.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot

• a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding

• asthma

• fluid retention: or

• if you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke.

If you are pregnant, you should not take Aleve unless your doctor tells you to. Taking a NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using Aleve. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Aleve is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Take It Easy But Not Too Easy

Tip 3 of 4

Give your back some rest, but only for a few days. Continuing your daily activities as soon as possible can give your back better flexibility than resting in bed for a week. In fact, bed rest for too long could make back pain worse and lead to other complications, like depression, decreased muscle tone and blood clots in the legs.

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Side Effects Of Naproxen For Back Pain

Naproxen can cause rather serious gastrointestinal disturbances in some patients. It can also have serious drug interactions, especially with drugs such as Lithium and anticoagulants. NSAIDs, as a group, have also been linked to several different types of birth defects when taken by pregnant women.

NSAIDS are also considered hazardous to people with compromised gastrointestinal tracts. They are known to cause stomach bleeding and ulcer formation, often leading to severe consequences. Finally, naproxen has been linked to certain heart-related conditions, some of which can be serious.

Make sure to discuss all the risks of NSAID usage with your doctor. During this conversation, inform your doctor of any health issues you might suffer from and any substances you may use regularly. Be sure to discuss other drugs, herbal supplements and alcohol intake when taking any prescription medication.

Risk Of Stomach Problems

Individuals with ulcers or sensitive stomachs are advised to avoid NSAIDs because of the risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach.

People older than 65 and those taking blood thinners or corticosteroids are particularly at risk of gastrointestinal problems. These problems include:

• Upset stomach
• Stomach bleeding

Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of stomach problems.

It is recommended that anyone using oral NSAIDs take them with food. A doctor and/or pharmacist may recommend adding another medication to protect the stomach when taking NSAIDs.

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What Other Drugs Will Affect Aleve

Ask your doctor before using Aleve if you take an antidepressant such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine , fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline , trazodone, or vilazodone. Taking any of these medicines with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use Aleve if you are also using any of the following drugs:

• cholestyramine

• phenytoin or similar seizure medications

• probenecid

Effectiveness Of Aleve And Ibuprofen

Aleve and ibuprofen are called nonselective NSAIDs because they block COX-2 enzymes and also COX-1 enzymes . This makes them effective at relieving pain and reducing inflammation, but there is a risk of stomach-related side effects. As far as effectiveness goes, 440mg Aleve is approximately equivalent to a 400mg ibuprofen.

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How To Take Aleve Back And Muscle Pain

Use Aleve Back And Muscle Pain exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

Take this medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

If you use naproxen long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using naproxen.

Shake the before you measure a dose. Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device . oral suspension

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving this medicine to a child. Naproxen doses are based on weight in children. Your child’s dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Since naproxen is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it’s almost time for your next dose. use two doses at one time. Do not

How To Take Tablets

Gastro-resistant tablets have a coating to protect them from being broken down by the acid in your stomach. Instead, the medicine is released further down the gut in your intestine.

If you take gastro-resistant tablets, swallow them whole, with or after food. Do not crush or chew them.

Effervescent tablets are dissolved in water before you take them.

If you take effervescent tablets, dissolve 1 to 2 tablets in a full glass of water and drink all the contents.

To make sure there’s no medicine left, when your glass is empty, put some more water in there a small amount will do rinse it around the glass, and drink it.

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What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Aleve And Advil

While COX-2 enzymes are related to pain and inflammation in the body, COX-1 is involved with the lining of your stomach. This means both Aleve and Advil can cause gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. Aleve poses a slightly greater risk of gastrointestinal issues, so if you are concerned about this side effect, you may want to choose Advil, or a different type of pain reliever such as acetaminophen .

Additionally, these medications can increase the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke. If you have a history of cardiovascular issues, talk to your doctor before using an NSAID.

Some other potential side effects include:

• High blood pressure
• Rash, throat swelling, and other allergic reactions

How Should I Take Aleve

Use Aleve exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medicine in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

If a child is using this medicine, tell your doctor if the child has any changes in weight. Naproxen doses are based on weight in children, and any changes may affect your child’s dose.

If you use Aleve long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Aleve.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

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Best Bets For Back Pain

When your back is bothering you and you don’t want to take prescription drugs, over-the-counter solutions and physical therapies can help relieve symptoms.

At this moment, about 10% of men have a backache, and up to 90% will have a backache at some point in their lives. Most flare-ups of low back pain get better over time, often within a few weeks. Pain control is important because it allows you to stay active, which assists in your recovery. For over-the-counter pain relievers, you have two options: acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs .

But pain relievers are only one tool to help you recover from, and prevent, low back pain, according to Dr. Jeffrey N. Katz, professor of medicine and surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and editor of the Harvard Special Health Report Low Back Pain: Healing Your Aching Back. Dr. Katz suggests you also include these steps in your back-care plan:

Soothe with cold or heat. In the first few days, when pain is most intense and may be accompanied by inflammation, apply cold compresses for 15-minute periods. After a few days, switch to warm compresses to relax the affected muscles and enhance blood flow to the area. This simple approach can reduce reliance on pain relievers.

Risks Of Harmful Side Effects

Aleve works by reducing the amount of a substance called prostaglandin that your body makes. When you have an injury , your body releases prostaglandin. It contributes to inflammation in a variety of ways, including swelling and fever. It also makes your nerve receptors more sensitive to pain. By limiting the amount of prostaglandin your body can release, Aleve can reduce these effects.

However, Aleve also reduces the protective effects of prostaglandin, such as the repair and maintenance of your stomach lining.

Normally, reducing the protective effect of prostaglandin by taking Aleve does not cause side effects, especially if you use it as directed. However, side effects such as gastritis and stomach bleeding are possible. Taking more Aleve than recommended increases these risks.

Drinking large amounts of alcohol can also increase the possibility of gastritis and stomach bleeding. When you use too much of both Aleve and alcohol, you put yourself at risk of severe stomach bleeding and gastritis. This is even more likely if youre older than 60 years.

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Do Nsaids Interact With Anything

You should watch out for interactions with any drugs youre taking. There are some substances that interact with NSAIDs. These include blood thinners such as warfarin or aspirin, as well as substances such as tobacco and alcohol. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the drugs youre taking, including over-the-counter pain relievers like Aleve and Advil.

This As Good As Painkillers For Low Back Pain

Plus, this medication isn’t addictive, expert says

HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, Oct. 20, 2015 — Naproxen — a drug available over-the-counter and by prescription — appears to provide as much relief for low back pain as a narcotic painkiller or a muscle relaxant, a new study suggests.

The study compared the use of prescription-strength naproxen alone to the use of naproxen with the narcotic painkiller oxycodone with acetaminophen , or the muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine . Patients who took a combination of drugs fared no better than when they took naproxen alone, the researchers said.

“Acute low back pain is a frustrating condition,” said lead researcher Dr. Benjamin Friedman, an associate professor of emergency medicine at Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City.

Many patients have already taken over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as naproxen or ibuprofen , before they arrive in the emergency room, he said. Some people may have taken insufficient doses at incorrect intervals and could be advised to optimize their NSAID regimen, he said.

“But for those patients who have already optimized their NSAID regimen, there are no additional medical therapies available,” Friedman said.

“We don’t have good medical treatment for acute low back pain,” he added.

The report was published Oct. 20 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

“Most back pain gets better on its own without anything,” Danesh said.

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Medicines For Back Pain

Acute back pain often goes away on its own over several weeks. In some people, back pain persists. It may not go away completely or it may get more painful at times.

Medicines can also help with your back pain.

OVER-THE-COUNTER PAIN RELIEVERS

Over-the-counter means you can buy them without a prescription.

Most health care providers recommend acetaminophen first because it has fewer side effects than other drugs. Do not take more than 3 grams on any one day, or over 24 hours. Overdosing on acetaminophen can cause severe damage to your liver. If you already have liver disease, ask your doctor if acetaminophen is OK for you to take.

If your pain continues, your provider may suggest nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . You can buy some NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, without a prescription. NSAIDs help reduce the swelling around the swollen disk or arthritis in the back.

NSAIDs and acetaminophen in high doses, or if taken for a long time, can cause serious side effects. Side effects include stomach pain, ulcers or bleeding, and kidney or liver damage. If side effects occur, stop taking the drug right away and tell your provider.

If you are taking pain relievers for more than a week, tell your provider. You may need to be watched for side effects.

NARCOTIC PAIN RELIEVERS

Examples of narcotics include:

• Fentanyl — available as a patch
• Hydrocodone

Possible side effects of these drugs include:

• Drowsiness