Naproxen sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is most often used to treat pain, inflammation, menstrual cramps and fever. It is also a favorite medication used to treat the stiffness associated with arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions affecting joints. Naproxen sodium, or naproxen, as it is often referred to, is less commonly used to treat Paget’s disease and Barrter’s syndrome.

In the drugstore, you may find naproxen sodium sold under the brand name of Aleve™ and Anaprox™, among many others. Naproxen sodium was first introduced to the public by prescription in 1976 as the active ingredient in Naprosyn™. It wasn’t until 1994 that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed naproxen sodium to be sold over the counter (OTC).

When prescribed, naproxen sodium may be available as a tablet, a coated tablet which has a delayed release, an extended release pill or a liquid. They typically are taken every eight hours, while the extended release pill is taken once a day. Over the counter, naproxen sodium comes in 8 to 12 hour dosages. This is a preferred medication for people with chronic pain issues because they don’t have to take a pain pill every four to six hours as with ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

While naproxen sodium is a popular medication, it may cause some mild to serious side effects with a few people. It is recommended that you take it with a glass of water or food to avoid any stomach upset. Naproxen sodium has been known to cause ulcers, bleeding ulcers and even stomach and intestinal holes. Because these are very serious complications, those who have had ulcers in the past should not take this drug. For some, naproxen sodium may cause constipation, diarrhea, gas, drowsiness, light-headedness, dizziness, headache or ringing in the ears. It is recommended that those taking lithium, aspirin and anticoagulants avoid taking naproxen sodium, or do so with extreme care and under the supervision of a doctor. People with high blood pressure shouldn’t take naproxen sodium due to its high sodium content.

A 2006 journal article published a study that suggested that women who were pregnant may have a higher risk of having a baby with congenital birth defects, specifically, heart defects, if they have taken NSAIDs in the first trimester. The following year, in 2007, the American Heart Association recommended that people who are at high risk for stroke should also avoid naproxen sodium due to the possibility of an increased risk of suffering a stroke.