Can you drive on Naproxen? 

In this concise article, we will address the question of whether it is safe to drive while taking naproxen. Additionally, we will discuss recommendations for driving while on naproxen, the potential adverse effects of the medication, and explore alternative pain management options.

You can drive on Naproxen if it doesn’t alter your ability to drive or see properly. 

However, you should not drive until you are sure how this medication affects you. If it causes drowsiness or decreases your mental alertness, you should refrain from driving.

In addition to these, naproxen can cause other side effects. Talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual or persistent problems while taking this medication (1,2).

There are plenty of other medications that can help relieve your pain if Naproxen makes you sleepy, causes blurry vision, or any other effect that impairs your ability to drive (3). 

Talk to your doctor about the treatment alternatives that will be most suitable for your medical condition. You should not take medications on your own.

Can you drive on Naproxen? 

You can drive on Naproxen if it doesn’t alter your ability to drive or see properly. 

This medication may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and changes in vision. However, Naproxen is not commonly associated with these side effects that may alter your mental alertness (1,2). 

Therefore, be aware that people are different and they may respond differently to medications.If you experience any effect that alters your vision or your state of alertness, you should not drive.

What are the recommendations for driving while taking Naproxen?

You should not drive while on Naproxen until you are sure how this medication affects you.

Initially, you should wait for it to take effect and observe how the medication impacts your body. If it causes drowsiness or decreases your mental alertness, you should refrain from driving.

Individuals who have taken this medication before usually have an understanding of how it affects them, and if it does not impede their ability to drive, they can do so (1,2).

In fact, it is considered an offense to drive when you are unable to properly concentrate on the road. This behavior is not only dangerous for you, but also for everyone else around you.

What are the adverse effects of Naproxen?

Naproxen may be associated with the following adverse effects, which can become more pronounced if you take a higher dose of this medication (1,2):

  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhoea 
  • Flatulence 
  • Constipation 
  • Acid reflux 
  • Heartburn 
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness 
  • Drowsiness 
  • Insomnia or inability to fall asleep 
  • Tingling or pins-and-needles sensation in arms and legs 
  • Difficulty in hearing 
  • Tinnitus 
  • Symptoms associated with cold and flu 
  • Headache 
  • Excessive thirst or Polydipsia 

In addition to these, naproxen can cause other and serious side effects. Talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual or persistent problems while taking this medication (1,2).

What are the alternative pain management options?

There are plenty of other medications that can help relieve your pain if Naproxen makes you sleepy or causes blurry vision, including other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Among other classes of medications that have analgesic properties, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and opioid medications can be mentioned (3). 

However, it is better for you to speak with your doctor about the treatment alternatives that will be most suitable for your medical condition. You should not take medications on your own.

Conclusion

In this concise article, we have addressed the question of whether it is safe to drive while taking naproxen. Additionally, we have discussed recommendations for driving while on naproxen, the potential adverse effects of the medication, and explore alternative pain management options.

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References

1.-

NAPROSYN® (naproxen).  U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Reference ID: 4786616 [Internet] [updated 2021 Apr; cited 2023 Jun 23]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/017581s115,018164s065,020067s064lbl.pdf.

2.-

MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US);2023. Naproxen; [updated 2022 Mar 15; cited 2023 Jul 04]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681029.html.

3.-

Cohen SP, Vase L, Hooten WM. Chronic pain: an update on burden, best practices, and new advances. Lancet. 202;397(10289):2082-2097.