Skip to main content

Naproxen User Reviews & Ratings

Brand names: Aleve, Naprosyn, Naproxen Sodium DS, Anaprox-DS, Flanax Pain Reliever, Aleve Back and Muscle Pain, Naprelan, Aflaxen, EC-Naprosyn, Midol Extended Relief, Pamprin All Day Relief, All Day Pain Relief Comfort Pac with Naproxen All Day Relief …show all brand names

Naproxen has an average rating of 6.9 out of 10 from a total of 678 reviews on Drugs.com. 60% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 25% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Naproxen

  • Leon...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • May 2, 2012

Aleve (naproxen) for Sciatica "When I have sciatica pain in my hip I quickly eat something (protein bar often works), take two Aleve, then lay down on the floor and put my legs up on a chair. Sometimes I put an ice pack on the area also, and I lay there for 10-20 minutes and the pain almost always subsides. Then I make sure to stretch a bit so the pain doesn't return when the Aleve wears off. Aleve works GREAT when I'm in pain, but don't forget how vital it is to stretch and exercise also. "

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
232 Report
  • Maili
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 30, 2014

Aleve (naproxen) for Sciatica "Unbelievable! After suffering everyday with sciatica nerve pain, losing sleep, falling into depression, I tried one pill, Aleve. Nothing else I tried worked. Aleve did exactly what my body needed to get relief from pain and inflammation. I didn't want a narcotic, no. I will continue to take Aleve for a week to be sure that all traces of sciatica and inflammation are completely gone."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
181 Report
  • Daisy
  • October 7, 2013

Aleve (naproxen) for Sciatica "Unbelievable searing pain down the right side of my right leg always first thing in the morning after getting out of bed. I quickly take two Aleve with a glass of milk and wait for the pain to subside which usually takes about forty five minutes. I am then fine for the rest of the day. I also do yoga exercises later in the day which helps."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
141 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • PASF
  • August 7, 2016

For Period Pain "Aleve is much more effective for me than Advil. Like everyone else I've been dealing with extremely painful cramps my whole life. I was taking Advil but would always end up throwing up and bent over in excruciating pain, switched to Aleve and at least now I can function during the first three critical days and not stuck in bed throwing up. I still get bad cramps every now and then so it's not perfect but at least Aleve helps me get through it. I usually take two in the morning; two at night. There should be a support group for woman that suffer from severe menstrual cycles. I feel like I'm the only one, but felt better after reading some of the other posts here; I'm not alone in my struggle."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
97 Report
  • im a ...
  • May 23, 2013

Aleve (naproxen) for Gout, Acute "I suffer from gout in my feet periodically because I do not take preventative medicines. My last bout I tried Tylenol extra strength first and got no relief. I switched to Aleve gel caps and immediately felt the pain decrease. I am a believer and also an Aleveir, thanks a lot."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
123 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Scott...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 15, 2014

For Back Pain "I had a herniated disc some 20 years ago and have never forgotten how effective Naproxen was at alleviating my condition. The results were astounding. Walked into a doctors surgery bent over almost double with severe sciatica. Prescribed Naproxen and took it immediately. Within 60 minutes I was walking like normal! I normally don't make comments on these kinds of thing but if it works even in a small number of people like it did me I am happy to share my experience. Try it nothing to lose no side effects I was aware of."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
111 Report
  • Anonymous
  • June 12, 2010

Aleve (naproxen) for Osteoarthritis "My hip and shoulder have hurt for years and I have always taken Bayer aspirin and I tried Aleve arthritis gelcap. To my surprise the pain in my hip and shoulder went away for 8 hours. The only thing I don't know is how long I could take the stuff, the bottle said do not take for longer than 10 days. The warning label about it could cause stroke or heart attack did raise questions."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
132 Report

More FAQ

  • Brean...
  • September 26, 2016

Aleve (naproxen) for Back Pain "Two days ago I was getting out of my car . I slipped on the gravel, twisting and slipping the lower discs in my back. For two days I haven't been able to move without excruciating pain . I have been crying for two days I've taken Advil, Tylenol, Motrin muscle relaxers. Just a few hours ago my friend cones over hands me two aleves and some warm water. Within 30minutes I'm not lying the pain is gone. Thank you aleve, i promise to pass the word of your greatness."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
82 Report
  • BAD_BA
  • May 6, 2014

Naprosyn (naproxen) for Sciatica "This was my last chance to get relief, my dr had advised that if we couldn't get the nerve to relax, surgery was the next option. The medication helped, the only thing I would only take this at bed time. This medication is very strong and makes you very sleepy, but it really does work. I only had to use it for a short time. I will not take any thing longer than a month and only when I have to."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
99 Report
  • Drake...
  • May 20, 2014

Aleve (naproxen) for Gout, Acute "I don't even go to the foot doctor to refill my gout medicine anymore. Those little green pills are effective but make me feel terrible. Aleve is a tremendously effective medicine for my big toe gout and I DON'T have any side effects from it."

Was this helpful?YesNo
97 Report
  • MadMike
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 8, 2020

For Sciatica "26 years US army, then 10 years civilian working in middle east, active with kids camping travel. BUT upon retiring at 56 years young suddenly the sciatic nerve issue, pain, pain, pain and did I mention PAIN?? Doc started me on 1 pill a day of naproxen, and just like a bunch of the posts on here I was skeptical to the point of laughter................Guess what after taking three days the pain subsided..... and after 6 months it was, and two year later still is, GONE..."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
48 Report
  • Anonymous
  • December 7, 2012

For Period Pain "Since beginning my period at the age of 12, I have experienced tremendous pain. So much so that I'd miss school, work, events, etc. I'd be in bed writing in unbelievable pain for the first day or two...on the toilet bent over in pain and dropping clots...losing weight...having absolutely zero energy - it'd take me about a week to feel somewhat normal again after each period. I've tried everything - you name it, I've tried it. Since my new gynecologist prescribed naproxen, it has been LIFE CHANGING. The first time I took it, the beginnings of pain were gone in 20 minutes! So, for the first time in 22 years, I had NO pain with my period. That's a LONG time to have pain! I can't believe no one gave this to me sooner! It's GREAT!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
102 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 27, 2013

For Headache "I was prescribed naproxen by my neurologist for menstrual migraines that left me debilitated every month with severe vomiting. I now take 500mg each morning and night a few days before my period is due. I started taking this preventative treatment of naproxen six months ago. I still get headaches and occasional migraines but they are less severe and I have no vomiting. Before taking Naproxen I was having at least three days off work each month. I haven't had any time off since starting the tablets - really have improved my quality of life."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
92 Report
  • Smw
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 16, 2018

Aleve (naproxen) for Sciatica "I have been taking Ibuprofen for years but only helped a little I saw commercial for Aleve and thought I would try What a difference in my back pain and sciatica. It even took down the inflammation in my hands"

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
57 Report
  • Yogiv...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 19, 2016

Aleve (naproxen) for Sciatica "I took 2 pills (220mg each) in the morning and it may take 1-2 hour before the pain is completely gone. I've sciatica on my right leg from lower back down to the bottom of my feet. Tickling & numbness besides the pain each morning. First thing I did was taking 2 pills immediately. I also practice yoga regularly..., I'm so grateful to discover Aleve for sciatica! Will take it as long as my sciatica is here..."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
70 Report
  • jadou
  • August 29, 2009

Aleve (naproxen) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been using Aleve for about 6 months. This medicine helps relieve all my aches and pains. I'm 68 and working in food industry. Although I experience severe body and joint pains on a daily basis I take one Aleve on the days I work and can put in 4 to 6 hours pain free. I have not suffered any side effects so far. So far none of the other medicines I have tried have been as effective as Aleve."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
115 Report
  • Nick...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 2, 2015

Aleve (naproxen) for Back Pain "Male - 33years old. Excruciating pain in lower SI region of my back following an aggressive 30 mile bick ride and a few days of surfing. Woke up the next morning with shooting pain in low back which progressed to shooting pains running down my glutes and referred pain to the hip flexor region. For two weeks this was extremely painful and did not subside even w/ ice applications and finally chiropractic visits 5 total and lots of Advil. Per the suggestion of my wife I tried aleve (2 pills for first dose and 1 pill each dose after that. After 2 pills I noticed a HUGE difference and significantly reduced pain as well as better range of motion as inflammation had gone down. I highly recommend for anyone with back pain as it really helped me!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
76 Report
  • Anonymous
  • February 24, 2010

Aleve (naproxen) for Gout, Acute "Really worked for me. I had significant pain and inflamation of my big toe. Symptoms were getting worse until I took Aleve. Almost immediate (1/2 hr) relief from pain and within one day of use the pain was gone and by the 2nd day the swelling was reduced."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
109 Report
  • Lansi...
  • November 18, 2009

Aleve (naproxen) for Sciatica "A surgeon recommended that I have a procedure to deal with the effects of several ruptured disks in my lower back. I prefer to put off the surgery for as long as I can, and use Aleve on an almost daily basis. It works just fine for me, and I only have an incident about every 1.5 years, and usually because I overdo the yard work. When it gets very bad, I supplement with an anti spasmodic drug for a few days."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
110 Report
  • Shaol...
  • April 26, 2014

For Period Pain "So when I started getting my period at about 13 I had the WORST CRAMPS EVER. Like I'm talking over the toilet, in the shower, missing school, and stuff like that. Typically it was only the first, rarely the second, day Of my cycle I would stay home or come home in bed feeling like my insides were flipping inside out. So after a couple months of this my mom got worried and took me to the doctor who told me I should go get an ultrasound on my uterus to make sure that there wasn't extra blood flow, extra lining, or anything. This is mostly because I didn't have blood clots so she wanted to make sure there wasn't something that needed attention pronto. nothing came up in the ultrasound. So I got prescribed naproxen and it's a LIFE SAVER!!!!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
77 Report
  • Anonymous
  • March 24, 2009

Naprelan (naproxen) for Sciatica "I am currently taking Celebrex and Prednisone for my Sciatica, 12 days now and no relief. Desperate for pain relief I took 1 naproxen 500mg. Thank God I did. The pill is a little hard to swallow, and it may make you a little nauseous but it will definitely ease the pain and will allow you to get some much needed sleep."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
104 Report
  • Ken
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • February 18, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "I have been taking two 500 mg naproxen tablets per day for several years due to osteoarthritis, back & knee pain. I had no side effects for a long time, but in the last 2 years I have had issues with the skin on the back of my hands. I am a farmer, so daily work with my hands around sharp objects (like Barbed wire) is a constant. I began to get cuts and small lesions on the back of my hands that were slow to heal and then left shallow red scarring. I began researching my condition and came across "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced pseudoporphyria". Symptoms of this condition exactly describes my condition. This is listed as "a relatively rarely reported condition", and therefore not commonly listed as a side effect of taking naproxen. I have discontinued naproxen and will be meeting with my Dr. to determine another anti-inflammatory for my condition. I hope this information helps so that someone who has this problem doesn't suffer for years with it like I have."

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
40 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 27, 2012

For Sciatica "At first I took Ibuprofen but that does nothing for Sciatica. I went to the doctor because I could not walk and our physician said that Ibuprofen doesn't work for this, Naproxen does. So about 500 mg and wow, it's fantastic. Take it with buttermilk, yogurt, or a yogurt drink to keep your stomach in good shape."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
86 Report
  • sissie
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 9, 2018

Aleve (naproxen) for Sciatica "For several years I took Bayer Back & Body for my chronic back/sciatica pain (2 tabs, 2x day). I found very little relief. I recently started taking Aleve Back & Muscle Pain..This is my third day using Aleve Back & Muscle Pain...What a difference in just 3 days!!! I take 1 tab in the morning and it last all day!! The pain/burning sensation in my back/leg has reduced sufficiently. Thank You Aleve!!!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
50 Report
  • Agape...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 11, 2012

Aleve (naproxen) for Back Pain "I bent over and suddenly experienced severe pain. With either a pinched nerve or a pulled muscle, I could barely make it to a nearby chair. I took 2 Aleve and applied an ice pack for the entire afternoon. Within 45 minutes I could slowly walk and I continued to take Aleve as recommended on the bottle. The next day I resumed my life as usual and in 3 or 4 days I no longer needed Aleve. Wow, better than a chiropractor."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
81 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.