When should you not use Aleve?

Asked by: Flo Davis  |  Last update: July 19, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (35 votes)

If you have ever had hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock, rash, skin reddening or blisters after taking a pain reliever or fever reducer, do not take Aleve. You may have a serious reaction. If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away.

Why do doctors tell you not to take Aleve?

This medicine may raise your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This is more likely in people who already have heart disease or in people who use this medicine for a longer time. This medicine may cause bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This problem can happen without warning signs.

Is Aleve safe for seniors?

Because of these well-known serious side effects of NSAIDs in older adults, in 2009 the American Geriatrics Society recommended that older adults avoid using NSAIDS for the treatment of chronic persistent pain.

What kind of pain is Aleve good for?

Aleve temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to:
  • minor arthritis pain.
  • headache.
  • muscular aches.
  • toothache.
  • backache.
  • the common cold.
  • menstrual cramps.

What is the downside of Aleve?

Common side effects seen with Aleve are abdominal pain, dizziness, headache, heartburn, nausea and lightheadedness. More serious, though rare, effects seen with Aleve include severe allergic reactions. This product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding.

Where to Turn for Pain Relief or Inflammation (Aleve, Motrin, Advil, Tylenol) Dr. Mandell

15 related questions found

Which is better for pain, Tylenol or Advil or Aleve?

Use NSAIDs like Advil or Aleve for chronic pain, pain from an injury or surgery, or other inflammatory pain like arthritis. Use Tylenol for mild pain like headache or to reduce fever.

What is the safest pain reliever for seniors?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually safer for older adults than other pain medicines. Topical pain medicines (also called topical analgesics) can also help. When common pain medicines don't work to manage pain, your healthcare provider may suggest other medicines, such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants.

What are 5 drugs to avoid in the elderly?

  • factors3 Melatonin4. Cardiovascular. ...
  • blockers. Rhythm control5 dofetilide (Tikosyn), ...
  • (Rhythmol) Heart failure6 beta blocker, ACEIb, ARBc, ...
  • Nifedipine extended release (Procardia XL)7. Depression. ...
  • comparable to placebo. ...
  • venlafaxine, duloxetine, buspirone (Buspar) ...
  • pregabalin (Lyrica) ...
  • (Topamax)

What is a healthy alternative to Aleve?

Acetaminophen is a safe alternative to NSAIDs for people who are allergic or hypersensitive to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs. In addition, certain supplements can help provide relief from inflammation and pain. Common alternatives to NSAIDs include arnica, curcumin, and bromelain.

What cannot be mixed with naproxen?

Do not take naproxen with ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). But it's OK to take naproxen with paracetamol or co-codamol that you buy over the counter. This should just be for short periods of time.

What does Aleve do to the heart?

NSAIDs may increase your risk of stroke and heart disease. Here's what you should know. Evidence has emerged in recent years indicating that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other heart problems.

What is gabapentin used for?

Gabapentin is used to treat epilepsy. It's also taken for nerve pain, which can be caused by different conditions, including diabetes and shingles. Nerve pain can also happen after an injury. In epilepsy, it's thought that gabapentin stops seizures by reducing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Why can't you lay down after taking naproxen?

Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this drug to prevent irritation inside your throat (esophagus). If this medication upsets your stomach, you may take it with food, milk, or an antacid. Do not take this medication unless you have time for a full night's sleep of at least 7 to 8 hours.

What is the safest anti-inflammatory medication?

Your doctor may recommend low-dose aspirin to reduce your risk of a heart attack. In the lower dose, aspirin doesn't pose the same health risk as full-strength NSAIDs. These medicines are effective at dulling pain, reducing inflammation, and reducing fevers. When used moderately, they are generally considered safe.

What foods should you avoid while taking naproxen?

Generally, you do not need to avoid any specific foods while taking NSAIDs. Tablets or capsules should normally be swallowed whole, without chewing, and taken with water or food to stop them upsetting your stomach.

What is the most common inappropriately prescribed drug to the elderly?

Diphenhydramine and amitriptiline are the most common inappropriately prescribed medications with high risk adverse events while propoxyphene and doxazoxin are the most commonly prescribed medications with low risk adverse events.

Why can't seniors take ibuprofen?

If you're over 65, ibuprofen can make you more likely to get stomach ulcers. Your doctor will prescribe you a medicine to protect your stomach if you're taking ibuprofen for a long-term condition. To make sure ibuprofen applied to the skin is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have: kidney problems.

What are the two worst blood pressure medications?

4 worst blood pressure drugs
  • Beta-Blockers: Limited Efficacy and High Adverse Effects. Efficacy Concerns. ...
  • High-Dose Thiazides: Increased Adverse Effects Without Mortality Benefit. Efficacy Concerns. ...
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Blood Pressure Elevation. ...
  • Antidepressants: Variable Impact on Blood Pressure.

What is the safest painkiller for long-term use?

Acetaminophen is generally considered safer than other pain relievers. It doesn't cause side effects such as stomach pain and bleeding. However, taking more than the recommended dose or taking acetaminophen with alcohol increases the risk of kidney damage and liver failure over time.

What not to say to your pain management doctor?

Navigating Pain Management Conversations: Phrases to Avoid
  • “I Just Need a Stronger Prescription” ...
  • “My Pain is a 10 Out of 10 All the Time” ...
  • “I Don't Believe in Non-Drug Therapies” ...
  • “It's Just Minor Discomfort” ...
  • “That's Not Going to Work for Me” ...
  • “I Saw This Treatment Online…” ...
  • Describing the Type of Pain.

What are the side effects of Aleve in the elderly?

Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance. 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.

Is it safe to take Aleve every day for arthritis?

For how many days can I take Aleve? Do not take for more than 10 consecutive days for pain or 3 days for fever unless directed by a doctor.

When not to take ibuprofen?

You should not take ibuprofen if you have: had a strong reaction (hypersensitivity) to aspirin or other NSAIDs in the past. a stomach ulcer, or have had one in the past. severe heart failure.

What is the best over-the-counter medicine for nerve pain?

What is the best over-the-counter medicine for nerve pain? Common painkillers such as acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen, and other pain relievers may provide some relief from mild nerve pain.