Aleve Side Effects and Drug Interactions Common to NSAIDs
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Aleve Side Effects: As an active ingredient, Aleve contains naproxen. In terms of commercial prescription drug list medications, naproxen can also be found in Anaprox, Naprelan, and Naprosyn. Aleve belongs to the nonsteroidal anti-infammatory class of drugs (NSAIDs). Aleve reduces the body’s prostaglandin (cycloxygenase) level, thereby relieving any pain, fever and inflammation.
The Side Effects of Aleve and Other Medications to Avoid While Taking the Drug
Approved in 1991 by the FDA, naproxen (Aleve) can affect the impact of other discount prescriptions, as well as less commonly prescribed medications. Most commonly, naproxen may increase the lithium blood levels as it reduces the kidney’s ability to excrete the chemical and other medications, such as methotrexate or aminoglycosides (e.g gentamicin). As such, high doses or long-term use of naproxen may lead to toxic levels of lithium. Prostaglandins affect the body’s blood pressure, and as such naproxen may be used to reduce the effect of medications which tend to lower it. Finally, patients taking blood thinners, such as warfarin, should avoid Aleve and other NSAIDs (which also thin the blood). When used with warfarin, Aleve may lead to unexpected excessive bleeding, especially in seniors.
Aleve Side Effects Can Range from Serious to Minimal
Serious side effects from naproxen (Aleve), although not frequent, include serious stomach or intestinal bleeding, and this is especially true for seniors, often occurring without warning. Other serious side effects include blood clotting, which can result in heart attacks or strokes. The incidence of these effects rises with long-term use and for patients with heart disease. Symptoms of internal bleeding can include black and tarry stools, along with persistent stomach or abdominal pain. Symptoms of heart disease can include shortness of breath, while stroke symptoms display a weakness on one side, sudden vision changes and slurred speech. Physicians will generally not allow use of Aleve (naproxen) just before or after heart bypass surgery. Patients shouldn't hesitate to notify their family physician if any of these Aleve side effects persist or get worse over time.
