Naproxen Interactions – Is It Safe To Mix Naproxen And Alcohol?

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

Authored by Isaak Stotts, LP

Reviewed by Michael Espelin APRN

0 sources cited

The concomitant use of Aleve with other drugs can result in a variety of Naprosyn interactions. Patients must be aware of the various Naprosyn drug interactions, such as Naproxen and alcohol, as well as with common drugs such as Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Acetaminophen, etc. This article serves as an informational guide about different Naproxen interactions and the side effects the drug induces during the interaction.

Mixing Naproxen And Alcohol

Aleve (brand name for Naproxen) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used as a pain reliever during muscle and joint aches. Mixing Aleve and alcohol is generally unsafe and leads to a dangerous interaction.

Naproxen pill with whiskey.

On a closer look, the medication works by reducing the presence of prostaglandins (protects the stomach lining) in the body. With a low presence of prostaglandins due to the use of Naprosyn, it takes only a few shots of alcohol for the stomach lining to become more vulnerable to gastritis.

Patients Who Simultaneously Abuse Alcohol and This Medicine Are Susceptible to Such Side Effects As:

  • Holes in the stomach or intestine
  • Ulcer
  • Coughing up blood
  • Black and sticky stool
  • Low red blood cell count, which can cause fatigue, lethargy, and weakness

Naproxen Interactions with Drugs

People taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Naprosyn, must be aware of the risks of its concomitant use with other medications. Moreover, users might have a higher risk of having a stroke or a heart attack. Therefore one should be extremely cautious about one’s health and consult with a doctor before combining Aleve with other drugs.

Mixing Naproxen and Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen, mostly referred to as Advil, is also an NSAID. Naproxen and Ibuprofen both work in the same way―by reducing prostaglandins’ presence in the system. However, their duration of action differs.

Aleve pills in the hand.

Consuming Naproxen and Ibuprofen together is very harmful and can lead to severe side effects. Since both drugs basically do the same thing, patients expose themselves to severe NSAID side effects if used together.

Some Of these Side Effects Include:

  • GI bleeding
  • Stomach upset
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Kidney Failure
  • Hemophilia

Can You Take Naproxen With Tylenol?

Depending on the degree of pain and purpose of use, it is considered safe to combine Naproxen and Tylenol. However, patients must ensure not to abuse this combination.

Different white pills in a hand.

Due to their differences in dosing routine, both drugs can only be consumed twice in 24 hours. Taking low doses of Naprosyn with Tylenol will provide significant pain relief.

Patients May Experience Any Of these Symptoms As a Result If Interaction:

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Swelling of face, lips, throat, or tongue
  • Hives
  • Severe itching
  • Peeling or blistering skin

Can You Mix Gabapentin and Naproxen?

The concomitant use of Aleve and Gabapentin can lead to some serious interaction. According to a report, combining both drugs can increase the amount of gabapentin absorbed in the body. Although an increase in Gabapentin in the system is less likely to cause adverse effects, extra caution is advised when using this combo to prevent overdose.

Some side effects that can be experienced when combining Gabapentin and Naproxen 500mg tablets.

They Include:

  • Headaches
  • Migraines
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Lack of coordination
  • Amnesia

Mixing Naprosyn And Acetaminophen

While both Naproxen and Acetaminophen are used to relieve pain, they work differently and have overlapping side effects. However, for most people, the concomitant use of these medicines is generally safe for use, and patients are less likely to experience any interaction. In fact, alternating the intake of both drugs together can help reduce pain faster; however, patients should not take Naproxen or Acetaminophen for 10 days in a row.

Also, Overdosing On Both Drugs Can Lead to Some Side Effects, Which Include:

  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Itching
  • Rash
  • Headache
  • Dark urine
  • Bleeding in the stomach
  • Liver damage

Mixing Aleve And Xanax

Based on current data and research, there is really no known interaction that would make the use of Naproxen and Xanax dangerous to one’s health. Notwithstanding, Patients May Experience Side Effects Such As:

  • Constipation
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Memory impairment
  • Anxiety
  • Blurred vision

Mixing Naprosyn And Hydrocodone

Naproxen and Hydrocodone are considered safe to use together based on current research and data available. However, this doesn’t mean patients won’t experience some minor to major side effects. On a general note, it is advisable for patients to use low doses of Naproxen with Hydrocodone to prevent overdose.

Other Drug Interactions

Talk to Your Doctor Before Taking Naprosyn With Any Of the Following:

Preventing The Disastrous Interaction

Aleve over the counter is a pain reliever with low chances of abuse, making it an efficient option for pain treatment. However, to avoid Aleve interactions, it is crucial for people always to follow the doctor’s prescription.

For someone already addicted to the medicine, enrolling in medical treatment for addicts in a rehab facility is the best solution. Rehabilitation centers provide healthcare services like counseling and treatment to prevent relapse and dependence.

 


Page Sources

  1. PubChem. Naproxen. 2009. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/source/hsdb/3369#section=Interactions-(Complete)
  2. Nicholas Moore, Charles Pollack, Paul Butkerait. Adverse drug reactions and drug–drug interactions with over-the-counter NSAIDs. 2015. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4508078/
  3. BetterHealthClannel. Medications - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/medications-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs
  4. Medline Plus. Naproxen. 2016. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681029.html#precautions
  5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. EC-NAPROSYN® (naproxen delayed-release tablets). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/017581s110,18164s60,18965s18,20067s17lbl.pdf
  6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. NEURONTIN. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020235s064_020882s047_021129s046lbl.pdf

Published on: March 23rd, 2020

Updated on: March 25th, 2024

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