Headaches are common, and likely all of us experience one in a lifetime. Sometimes, it can be temporary due to stress, and other times, it can be migraine. To deal with them, we mostly trust painkillers. 

When speaking of pain relievers, one of the most common options is Naproxen. It is a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) used to relieve mild to moderate pain. As it is available as an Over-the-counter (OTC) medication, you may want to know if you can take this pill for your headache. We will answer all your questions in the article ahead and help you determine if Naproxen for headaches is the ideal choice. So, read ahead and find out. 

Does Naproxen help with headaches

Non-prescription or OTC Naproxen is used to relieve mild pain such as headaches. It can also reduce fever, muscle ache, period pain, arthritis, common cold, toothaches, and backaches. So, even if any of these is causing a headache, you can get relief from both in a single shot. 

To learn more about the uses, read What is Naproxen used for? 

Naproxen for tension headache

Naproxen can be used to treat tension-type headaches. It is equally effective as Ibuprofen and Ketoprofen, reducing the pain intensity of such headaches. 

A single dose of 275 mg Naproxen Sodium is a safe and effective treatment for tension headaches. 

Naproxen for sinus headache

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Naproxen sodium, along with Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride, effectively relieves sinus headaches. It can also temporarily offer relief from sinus pressure, minor body aches, pain, nasal, and sinus congestion, restoring free breathing and reducing fever. However, it will not treat the infection. 

Naproxen for migraine

Treating migraine is one of the off-label uses of Naproxen. It is a first-line abortive remedy for acute migraine. However, it is not only limited to treating acute migraine and migraine prophylaxis but also preventing chronic migraine along with other medicines like antidepressants. 

A 2013 publication from NCBI found that Naproxen is more effective than a placebo in treating migraine headaches, which was moderate to severe. Within two hours, two out of ten people were pain-free, and five had some relief. However, if the pain is too severe, Naproxen may not be your best option. So, you should consult a doctor for the right medication. 

Fact Naproxen and Sumatriptan combination is used to treat acute migraine attacks and associated symptoms like headache, sensitivity to light and vomiting. 

Naproxen for headache dosage

For pain relief, the usual recommended dosage is 550 mg once, followed by 275 mg every eight to twelve hours. Alternatively, 550 mg every 12 hours can also be used. The maximum initial dosage is 1375 mg a day, and after that, it should not exceed 1100 mg a day. To understand the dose regimen better, read Naprosyn Dosage. 

How fast does Naproxen work for headaches

Naproxen starts working in one hour. You might notice improvement and reduction in pain intensity. If you are taking it for long-term use, like acute migraine, it can take up to three days for Naproxen to work properly. 

You can buy Naprosyn 500 at WowRxPharmacy at reasonable prices. 

Contraindicatory effect

Even though Naproxen is used to treat headaches, sometimes it can cause one as a side effect. It can be avoided or minimized by drinking plenty of water. Headaches resolve within the first week of taking Naproxen. However, you should consult a doctor if it is severe or lasts longer.

Warning
Naproxen can cause stomach ulcers if you take it for long or in big doses. So, only administer it for a short time and at the lowest possible dose to ensure safety. Consult a doctor if you are seeking a long-term option. 

Who should avoid Naproxen

Naproxen may not be a good choice for people who:

  • Have an allergy to Naproxen, Aspirin, or other NSAIDs
  • Have or had stomach ulcers or bleeding
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Have heart, kidney, and liver failure or problems
  • Have Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative  Colitis
  • Have Lupus
  • Have blood-clotting disorder
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Are children under 12 and do not have a prescription

Conclusion

Naproxen is used to relieve mild pain like headache. It can also treat potential headache triggers like fever, common cold, and period pain. Additionally, it will relieve muscle aches, backache, and toothache, offering an all-in-one relief option. 

Naproxen is an effective option for a tension headache, sinus headache, or migraine. Initially, the recommended dosage for pain relief is 550 mg, followed by 275 mg every eight to twelve hours. The maximum dosage each day should not exceed 1100 mg. However, if the pain is too severe, you should consult a doctor for guidance. 

Overall, Naproxen is a great pain reliever that is available without a prescription. However, people with liver, heart, or kidney problems, children under 12, and those with allergies or stomach ulcers, etc, should not use Naproxen unless their doctor considers it safe. 

Sometimes, Naproxen can cause headaches as a side effect, but you can minimize this risk by staying hydrated. The headache usually resolves within one week of using this medicine, but severe pain or prolonged discomfort should not be neglected. Keeping these precautions in mind, Naproxen can be a safe remedy for you to say goodbye to headaches. 

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