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How Effective Is Naproxen for Headaches?

S. Berger
S. Berger

Naproxen is a painkiller that is part of the family of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). As with other NSAIDs, taking naproxen for headaches is a common remedy. This medication is effective at treating a variety of headaches, although it is not always the most efficacious option compared to other drugs. Additionally, potential side effects and drug interactions can limit naproxen's utility in some patients.

Research has demonstrated that one of the more common headaches, known as tension headaches, can be effectively treated by this drug. A study of 149 patients taking naproxen to treat headaches showed greater pain relief from this drug than from another NSAID, acetaminophen, or a placebo. Other studies using larger doses of acetaminophen showed a greater benefit from this drug than from naproxen, however. Different patients may respond better to one medication or another depending on dose.

Side effects of naproxen may include bloating and stomach pain.
Side effects of naproxen may include bloating and stomach pain.

Patients may also use naproxen for headaches in a preventative fashion, known as prophylaxis. Studies performed on individuals with migraine headaches found that this drug was effective in reducing the severity of the pain from the headaches. Women experiencing menstrual migraines on a regular basis also found that naproxen generally helped reduce pain for most people. Other medications, such as tricyclics, are sometimes used instead of naproxen in a clinical setting, however. This is due to their ability to reduce the frequency of migraines, which naproxen does not generally achieve.

Interactions with certain other medications can limit the use of naproxen.
Interactions with certain other medications can limit the use of naproxen.

Potential side effects from this drug can determine whether a patient should take naproxen to treat headaches. Studies reveal that this medication is usually well-tolerated by most people, but minor side effects like nausea, upset stomach, bloating, or even headaches can occur. Normally, these do not require medical attention unless they occur often in a severe fashion.

Naproxen can be used to effectively treat tension headaches.
Naproxen can be used to effectively treat tension headaches.

A doctor should be notified immediately if side effects such as bloody stool, chest pain, difficulty urinating, or coughing blood occur. Taking naproxen for headaches can occasionally lead to severe medical problems such as stomach bleeding or liver damage. These side effects can indicate that such conditions have occurred, and that prompt medical attention is required, as they can be life-threatening.

While naproxen can be effective in treating severe headaches, it does nothing to reduce their frequency.
While naproxen can be effective in treating severe headaches, it does nothing to reduce their frequency.

Drug interactions from this medication may also determine if a person should take naproxen for headaches. Alcohol may increase the risk of stomach and kidney damage, so frequent drinkers may want to avoid this medication. Blood thinners like warfarin, and some medications that affect the heart, known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may also be harmful when taken with naproxen.

Discussion Comments

anon996632

I was recently prescribed naproxen for a knee injury to help with pain and inflammation. I think it is actually causing me to have headaches. It's crazy how a medicine that is intended to help with pain will actually sometimes cause pain.

anon948334

Too bad pain relief isn't one of Naproxen's side effects; I've tried it for a variety of pains from tension headaches to neck and back pain to sciatica, and it hasn't relieved anything. It hasn't worked for any of my wife's maladies either.

In fact, it has been so ineffective we thought it might as well be considered a placebo.

fify

I used to take naproxen for mild headaches a few years ago. If I had a headache from a long and tiring day, naproxen would relieve it in about twenty minutes.

But recently I've been experiencing headaches due to hormonal fluctuation (I'm pre-menopausal) and naproxen hasn't been working. I guess naproxen is effective for certain types of headaches, not all.

ZipLine

@ddljohn-- Stomach issues are very common with NSAIDs. I guess I'm lucky because I've never had this problem with naproxen.

What dose are you taking? It might be more of an issue at higher doses. I take 375mg twice a day with food. You might want to reduce your dose, of course if it's still effective for your headaches at lower doses.

The only side effect I've experienced from naproxen is sensitivity to sunlight. But I just wear sunscreen before I go outside and it's fine. I think naproxen is a great drug for migraines overall.

ddljohn

Naproxen works very well for my headaches but it gives my stomach acidity and heartburn. I take it occasionally, but I can't use it regularly for this reason.

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    • Side effects of naproxen may include bloating and stomach pain.
      By: sframe
      Side effects of naproxen may include bloating and stomach pain.
    • Interactions with certain other medications can limit the use of naproxen.
      By: JJAVA
      Interactions with certain other medications can limit the use of naproxen.
    • Naproxen can be used to effectively treat tension headaches.
      By: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
      Naproxen can be used to effectively treat tension headaches.
    • While naproxen can be effective in treating severe headaches, it does nothing to reduce their frequency.
      By: Andy Dean
      While naproxen can be effective in treating severe headaches, it does nothing to reduce their frequency.
    • Most people believe it is best to limit alcohol consumption while taking naproxen.
      By: orcea david
      Most people believe it is best to limit alcohol consumption while taking naproxen.