Ibuprofen and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• psy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2018

For Back Pain "Ibuprofen certainly seems to reduce the pain in my back and has been very effective in eliminating pain in my toothache. But it can (mildly) upset my stomach, especially if I take it without food. Even if taken with food, my stomach can feel 'strange' and feel as if something is irritating it. It's hard to properly describe. I could be imagining it. There is increased intestinal (loud) rumbling and other noises as well. Still, it seems to work where paracetamol is totally ineffective."

• rox...
• May 21, 2011

For Period Pain "I always take these pills when I have my period, and it usually takes away the pain within an hour or so, but I do not recommend you take ibuprofen without eating first, as I have done in the past. Not such a good idea."

• Iva...
• October 17, 2009

For Pain "This medicine works super for pain if you take enough. I used it for many months for back pain due to disc protrusion. Chronic use gave me stomach problems. I used too much, and my doctor claimed I was passing blood, so I use it sparingly now if the Tylenol-based medicines do not work well enough. It helps mild headache to where Tylenol does nothing. When you start having heartburn or loose bowel movements, stop taking ibuprofen and use something else, tell your doctor, or you will hurt yourself seriously. Over-the-counter does not mean safe to use as you wish."

• Ori...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 28, 2019

For Pain "I was taken kicking and screaming off of Norco 10/325 x 6 daily and put on buprenorphine 2 mg twice a day and ibuprofen (Advil) 200 mg as needed. I did not realize the side effects from the Norco were so bad until I stopped it (severe itching, severe intestinal cramping, constant watching the clock waiting until my next dose). I have lumbar stenosis and severe pain in my left foot. The buprenorphine keeps it down to a level 3-5 most of the time, and when it gets bad, just one 200 mg OTC Advil knocks it back to 1-3. I have yet to experience stomach upset at this low dose. I wouldn't have believed it if you told me either. Incredibly effective for an OTC pain reliever."

• Gal...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 3, 2022

For Headache "I've had chronic migraines for over 40 years, and the ONLY thing that helps is 800 mg ibuprofen. It gets rid of the headache within twenty minutes. It's much safer than some of these crazy pills doctors prescribe that have dangerous side effects. You want to drink lots of water and have a small snack with them, like crackers, etc., to avoid stomach aches."

• FeF...
• August 17, 2014

Ibuprofen for Period Pain "I suffer with endometriosis. Due to this, the pain is brutal. I have tried most everything under the sun for relief. I highly recommend Advil Liqui-Gels for fast relief with little stomach upset."

• ind...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2019

For Chronic Myofascial Pain "Ibuprofen is like taking candy, it does nothing for severe pain, and I was on the 800 mg prescription dose. In addition, it's not good for your stomach."

• Anonymous
• December 19, 2009

Ibuprofen for Gout, Acute "Short-lived relief with stomach problems if taken long-term."

• Jay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2018

For Back Pain "This made my stomach hurt bad."

• Anonymous
• September 14, 2011

For Pain "Works okay, but causes upset stomach."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2016

"Didn't work for me. Made my stomach and head hurt. I was taking it for an ovarian cyst. I had to stick with Tylenol 3 instead."