Dangers of Mixing Naproxen and Alcohol

Is it safe to mix naproxen and alcohol?

Naproxen is a commonly used anti-inflammatory medication, but combining it with alcohol can lead to serious health risks. While some may assume that occasional drinking while taking naproxen is harmless, the reality is that alcohol can intensify the drug’s side effects and lead to dangerous complications.

The simple answer is no; it is not safe to mix naproxen and alcohol. Even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of stomach irritation, ulcers and internal bleeding. Long-term use of both substances together can have even more severe consequences, including liver damage and an increased risk of developing a prescription drug addiction.

Side effects of mixing naproxen and alcohol

When naproxen and alcohol are consumed together, they can cause:

• Increased stomach irritation: Naproxen is known to be harsh on the stomach lining, and alcohol only makes this worse. This combination can lead to nausea, pain and discomfort.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding: Both substances can weaken the protective lining of the stomach, increasing the risk of bleeding. Symptoms include dark or bloody stools and vomiting blood.
• Worsened drowsiness and dizziness: Naproxen can cause dizziness, and alcohol amplifies this effect, raising the risk of falls or accidents.
• Kidney strain: Naproxen is processed by the kidneys, and excessive alcohol use can make it harder for these organs to function properly, leading to potential kidney damage.
• Liver damage: While naproxen is not as taxing on the liver as some other prescription drugs, regular alcohol use can increase strain on this organ, particularly in those who already take medications that affect liver function.

The dangers of mixing naproxen and alcohol long-term

Using naproxen and alcohol together for a prolonged period can have serious health implications. Chronic use of both substances can lead to:

• Stomach ulcers and severe bleeding: Over time, alcohol and naproxen can cause chronic damage to the stomach lining, leading to ulcers that may require medical treatment.
• Liver disease: While naproxen alone is not a major cause of liver damage, excessive alcohol use can increase the likelihood of long-term liver issues.
• Increased risk of developing alcohol addiction: Some people find themselves relying on alcohol to manage pain while taking naproxen, leading to patterns of alcohol dependence.
• Weakened immune system: Alcohol affects immune function, and prolonged use of both substances can make it harder for the body to fight off infections and heal properly.
• Heart complications: Chronic alcohol use increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease and naproxen has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues when used long-term.

Is there a safe amount of alcohol that can be mixed with naproxen?

There is no completely safe amount of alcohol to mix with naproxen. Some doctors may say that having a single drink several hours after taking a lower dose of naproxen is less risky than frequent alcohol use, but there is still a potential for harm.

Even small amounts of alcohol can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of digestive issues. If you need to take naproxen regularly, it is best to avoid alcohol altogether.

What situations could lead to a person mixing naproxen and alcohol?

People may end up combining naproxen and alcohol for several reasons, including:

• Pain relief before a social event: Someone experiencing pain might take naproxen before going out, not realising that drinking alcohol later could increase side effects.
• Using alcohol to cope with pain: If naproxen does not fully relieve pain, some individuals may turn to alcohol to enhance its effects.
• Habitual drinking: If a person regularly drinks alcohol, they may take naproxen without considering how it interacts with their drinking habits.
• Not knowing the risks: Some people may be unaware that mixing alcohol and naproxen can cause serious health issues.

I’ve mixed naproxen and alcohol –  what should I do?

If you have recently combined naproxen with alcohol, monitor yourself for any worrying symptoms. Seek medical help if you experience:

• Severe stomach pain
• Vomiting blood or dark stools
• Dizziness or fainting
• Difficulty breathing
• Confusion or unusual fatigue

For mild symptoms such as nausea or dizziness, staying hydrated and avoiding further alcohol consumption can help. However, if you regularly mix naproxen and alcohol, it may be worth considering whether your alcohol use is becoming a problem.

How long after taking naproxen can I drink alcohol again?

If you have taken naproxen, it is generally recommended to wait at least 12 hours before consuming alcohol. This is because naproxen stays in your system for a long time, and drinking too soon can increase the risk of stomach irritation and other side effects. If you take naproxen regularly, it is safest to avoid alcohol entirely.

Have you noticed alcohol dictating when to take naproxen?

If you find yourself frequently weighing up whether you can take naproxen based on when you plan to drink alcohol, it could be a sign of alcohol dependency. When alcohol starts influencing decisions about medication use, it may indicate a deeper issue.

Self-assessment: could you have an alcohol addiction?

If you answer ‘yes’ to any of the following questions, you may be experiencing the early signs of alcohol addiction or alcohol abuse:

• Have you ever skipped taking naproxen because you wanted to drink alcohol instead?
• Do you often plan when you take naproxen based on when you will be drinking?
• Have you ever ignored warnings about mixing naproxen and alcohol because you felt you could handle it?
• Do you drink alcohol even when you know it might worsen pain or illness?
• Have friends or family expressed concern about your drinking habits?
• Have you noticed yourself drinking more over time to get the same effects?
• Do you experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, shaking or nausea when you don’t drink?
• Have you tried to cut down on alcohol but found it difficult?

If you answered ‘yes’ to multiple questions, it may be time to seek help with alcohol. Recognising the symptoms of alcohol abuse early can prevent further harm to your health.

What are the next steps?

If you are concerned about alcohol symptoms and how they may be affecting your health, the first step is to seek professional help. At UKAT, we offer tailored treatment programmes designed to support those struggling with alcohol addiction and prescription drug addiction.

We understand that breaking free from alcohol dependence can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, recovery is possible. Whether you need help managing alcohol effects, coping with symptoms of alcohol abuse or addressing a prescription drug addiction, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

If you or a loved one is struggling, reach out to UKAT today to learn more about our treatment options.