Does anyone take naproxen daily for an illness??

Question

I have been taking two 500 mg. a day for 8 years now and I was wondering if it is dangerous for what's left of my health! My specialist doesn't want me to stop taking it because it'll make my illness worse which is sjogren's syndrome. Any advice would be appreciated???

Answer 1

I have Sjogren's and have problems with joints, joint linings, the works, on top of the moisture issues and common GI tract ones. In addition to that, I was well on my way to being a physician before this and a couple other illnesses debilitated me to the point where 80-hour class schedules just weren't happening. In other words, I understand it from the patient and from a pharmacological standpoint, so feel free to ask questions.

Naproxen should, in and of itself, be fine as long as your liver levels are monitored religiously and your stomach doesn't start having any discomfort, which might be a sign that it's causing damage to your GI tract, very common area of damage with Sjogren's. You might want to switch out with another anti-inflammatory (toradol comes to mind as something you can do for 5 days then have to stop) for a week in a given month to detox your system of it, and be cautious and observant regarding bruises. Sjogren's already causes "leaky veins" where the vessels seep blood (especially in legs, though purpura, little red dots of blood particularly on arms, is another symptom that ) and an anti-inflammatory medicine will make that even more likely. If you primarily take it for pain, there are plenty of alternatives like ultram and other analgesics. If you are stiff, flexeril is superb and safe (take 5mg doses, though, as higher ones are not more effective, only more associated with side effects according to research).

If you are taking it to specifically target inflammation, while I'd question why you aren't on something like salsalate instead (it's a strong and safe modified aspirin), your doctor knows your case better than us. In any case, has your doc ever tried plaquenil for you or even methotrexate? Naproxen is not exactly the normal route for sjogren's, since it doesn't suppress the immune system attacks. Also, are you taking salagen or evoxac, restasis or other dry eye treatments, etc?

Answer 2

Sjogren's Syndrome is an inflammatory illness and Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory so it will help fight the inflammation. I guess it depends on how bad your symptoms and how bad you'd feel if you didn't take it. Do you take any stomach meds? That could help if the Naproxen bothers your stomach. I have Sjogren's too and am pretty well versed in most issues concerning it.

Answer 3

I'm taking naproxen for my migrane but not as maintanance, I only use this whenever I have migrane. And I should say it does have effect on me sometimes I threw up. I don't usually follow doctors advice to take my medicines regularly, I go for my instinct...why would you follow chemicals if you feel alright.Not all doctors know what they doing.

Answer 4

The noproxen is basically just a pain killer. In reality, it's a double strength advil. I take it for back pain periodically. All pain killers stand a chance of hurting you, but you can always opt to get a 2nd opinion from another doctor.

Answer 5

Have you tried any alternative medicines. If you have joint pains Arthrid can help the pain and reduce your dependance on painkillers. See www.sindor.com for more info on Arthrid. Arthrid is purely herbal

Answer 6

naproxen is used manly for inflamtion. it could be used for a hurt back spraind wrist anything that is hurt it keeps it from hurting as much and keeps the inflamtion away. its like a real stron mortin

Answer 7

I have been taking them for about a year. They are not addictive and they do not cause any health problems. If your doctor says you need them then keep taking them.

Answer 8

my mom takes it. seems to be ok with it,

Answer 9

Please see the webpages for more details on Naproxen.