Naproxen and Headaches: What Users Say

• B...
• January 20, 2015

For Period Pain "My period has been awful since the first time I got it at age 13. I've experienced a variety of symptoms each month that make my period unpredictable. Some months I feel fine and maybe just get a pimple, other months I'm a crying mess. There have been times where the pressure on my lower back and abdomen is so intense that I can't move: nausea, headaches, joint pain in my knees, etc. It got to the point where when I was 15, I started birth control. The birth control made me extremely emotional, so I stopped and continued with Advil, Midol, I tried bananas, warm compresses, exercise. Nothing worked. I started using naproxen, and within 10-15 minutes, my symptoms are alleviated, and I can go about my day."

• Jib...
• January 20, 2016

For Muscle Pain "I have a torn shoulder tendon (rotator cuff injury) which has been causing me agonizing pain 24/7 for 6 months. Ibuprofen wasn't working, so I was given naproxen. It takes quite a while to get to work (up to an hour to kick in), but once it works, the relief is amazing. Only thing is, once it wears off (about 4-6 hours), the pain returns big time, and you're not supposed to use more than 2 tablets a day. Also, it made me ravenously hungry at the start (not so much now), so I've added a couple of kg in weight. When it doesn't work well, I take some paracetamol (acetaminophen) as well. Doesn't do anything for my headaches though and may even cause them."

• MsE...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 1, 2015

For Headache "I was suffering from the common cold and had symptoms of dry cough, congested sinuses, large headache, slight ear pain, sore throat, and muscle pain in my knees and gluteus maximus. I couldn't eat anything either and at times felt like vomiting. Also, I would wake up in the middle of sleeping, mumbling from my symptoms and pain. And, I would sleep long hours, and no sleep was enough for me. Taking naproxen 220 mg and sleeping that night, I felt 10 times better. The headache was gone, and so was the muscle pain. I slept well that night. I feel like I could do the usual tasks (including eating) now."

• Pud...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2018

Naproxen for Ankylosing Spondylitis "I have AS and have been in a flare-up for about a week now. Hurting from my pelvis to my feet, it was causing extreme difficulty with walking. Haven’t wanted people to notice the few times I’ve had to get out of the house, so I would walk decently with excruciating pain. My feet have been hurting everywhere, with painful throbbing and stabbing pain with every step. I have been feeling “shocks” in my left hip area with my steps, almost sending me to the floor at times. Last night, after I got in bed, the throbbing pain was keeping me awake, so I got up and took two Aleve gel tabs. Within 30 minutes, while lying in bed, I noticed the throbbing had stopped. Upon awakening and standing, I was much better. I could not believe the difference in my gait, with my pain level dropping significantly today. I feel so much better now! Thank goodness."

• KyK...
• March 22, 2016

For Period Pain "I had really bad cramps. I tried several things, and nothing seemed to work. When I get them bad, I have to miss school and just lay in my bed with back pain, headache, barf, etc. So I had enough and decided to go to the doctor. My doctor prescribed me naproxen. On the day of my cycle, I took the pill, and in about 30 minutes, I was pain-free. I took a nap, and it felt like I didn't even have my period! I definitely recommend this, I am very pleased, and this will be my go-to every month. But remember, what works for me doesn't work for all."

• 1_k...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2018

Naproxen for Headache "Took 3 Aleve liquid gels within 2 hours, and it progressively made my headache worse, and I had an event to go to later that evening, too. Not very reliable. Advil works more effectively, even if I have to take 3+."

• Edw...
• February 25, 2020

For Headache "I get headaches after I take naproxen 500 mg. It helps me with my carpal tunnel syndrome, but those headaches start kicking in once I take 1 naproxen. Tried cutting in half, but yet again, I get those headaches."

• Mar...
• September 11, 2017

For Tendonitis "My doctor prescribed 500 mg twice a day as needed for my shoulder pain. I immediately had stomach pain and nausea, so I only took it once daily at bedtime, as my shoulder pain is worse at night. Pain went away, but the nausea and stomach pain are back, along with headaches. I quit completely three days ago; nausea and headaches are still present at times, but getting better. Naproxen is history for me, never again. Good old Tylenol will have to do from now on."

• Atn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 17, 2021

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I just started taking naproxen 375 mg twice a day, and at first, the pain in my hand went away. But then the side effects kicked in: nauseated, dizzy, lethargic, black stool, vomiting, headaches, and horrible neck pain. I am done with these pills. I am going back to Advil. That also worked for me, even after both my hip replacements."

• Gga...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 15, 2020

For Headache "I have taken naproxen for 31 years. Have to protect my stomach. Went to doctors, trials, etc. Had daily headaches and high SED rate. I am praying my stomach and heart will be okay. I would not have been able to work and live a full life without it. I do take a prescription. You must take it on a full stomach and with Prilosec."

• 25Y...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 16, 2024

"I used to take naproxen. Prescribed 20 years ago before it was OTC. They were 500mg tablets, I think. Fluorescent lights and LEDs give me a headache. New cars and their blue headlights. Ahh! My eyes. It was so bad in school, I wore sunglasses and took 500mg. (I had a note) Shhh, I fell asleep a few times in class, but no one could tell because I was wearing dark sunglasses. It worked out well. But to this day, bright lights and tinnitus are an issue for me. (I don't know if those conditions are related or not! Maybe I have hit my head a few times!) It lasts a long time, it's rough on my insides, but compared to most other NSAIDs, it is about the same."

• Anonymous
• August 20, 2011

Naproxen for Headache "Caused vomiting and gave me the worst headache."

• Jim...
• January 17, 2018

Naproxen for Headache "I took a first dose of two, like instructed, for body pain, and it gave me an instant horrible headache that has lingered a bit."

• Dug...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2018

For Headache "Seems like when I take Aleve for my bad shoulder pain due to severe arthritis, I get a headache."