Naproxen

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jul 22, 2022

Side Effects


Naproxen Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of naproxen are listed below. Tell your doctor if these adverse effects are severe or do not go away after a few days.

  • Constipation
  • Excessive thirst
  • Gas
  • Headache
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Tingling or burning in the arms or legs
  • Ringing in the ears, hearing problems
  • Cold symptoms


Some of the adverse effects of naproxen can be more serious. Contact your doctor right away or seek emergency medical help if you experience symptoms such as:

  • Chest pain or chest tightness
  • Chest pain spreading to the shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw 
  • Sudden problems with walking or talking, numbness on one side of the body
  • Severe acute pain in the abdomen
  • Dark-colored stools
  • Blood in stool or vomit, coffee grounds vomit
  • Vision changes
  • Feeling that something is stuck in your throat
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Hoarseness
  • Unexplained rapid weight gain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Excessive tiredness
  • Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen
  • Flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, sore throat, or other signs of infection
  • Signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as a severe skin reaction with a purple skin rash, hives, itching, skin pain, skin reddening, blisters
  • Swelling of the face, eyes, throat, tongue, mouth, lips, hands, or arms
  • Nausea, diarrhea
  • Upper stomach pain 
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Back pain
  • Pain with urination, decreased urination, cloudy, bloody, or discolored urine
  • Confusion


The above list may not include all the potential side effects of naproxen. Call your doctor if you experience any severe or unusual symptoms. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Naproxen overdose: In case of a known or suspected overdose, immediately call your doctor or the local poison control center. If the person can’t be awakened, has had a seizure, or has trouble breathing, call 911. Signs and symptoms of a naproxen overdose may include drowsiness, extreme fatigue, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, slow breathing, and difficulty breathing.

NOTE: Prescription naproxen is the property of the respective owners and is intended for use only by them. Never share your prescription medication with others or use someone else’s prescription naproxen.

Source: FDA