According to Jacek Hawiger, M.D., Ph.D., about 80 percent of all significant human diseases can be mediated by inflammation.

Many people suffer from pain and other inflammations worldwide.

Thanks to modern technology and scientific advancements, we have ways to treat such issues.

On 17th February 2006, Naproxen was approved by the FDA for use. Naproxen is primarily used to treat inflammation and arthritis.

It belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn, and Midol are few brand names which have Naproxen as the active ingredient.

The lower strength of Naproxen is available over-the-counter; however, higher strengths are only available with a doctor’s prescription. you can also buy Naproxen online from certified pharmacy.

Clinical-partners.co.uk states that about 8 million people in the UK have an anxiety disorder. Some even consider that to be the most common disorder in the world.

People with anxiety issues are often depressed and are mentally exhausted.

Today, many medications are available to reduce the effects of anxiety and have helped people get over it to live positively. Xanax is one such example.

On 17th January 2003, Xanax was approved by the FDA to treat anxiety, depression, and panic disorders.

It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. The generic name of Xanax is Alprazolam.

This medication is only available at the pharmacy with a doctor’s prescription.

You probably have got the gist of these two medications and their uses. Let us know more about Naproxen and Xanax and how do they work. (Brinkmann, H. and Philippe, H., 2008)

How do these medicines work?

Naproxen

Prostaglandin is the substance in our body that causes pain and inflammation. Some prostaglandins are produced at the places of injury and damage that cause inflammation.

Naproxen works by blocking the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Barring these two enzymes reduces prostaglandin synthesis, ultimately leading to relief in pain and inflammation.

Thus making it clear that Naproxen helps mitigate or at least relieve inflammation (Todd, P.A. and Clissold, S.P., 1990).

Xanax

Xanax works by increasing the effect of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid, also called GABA. This chemical is known to promote calmness and relaxed feelings.

It also works by decreasing excitement and spontaneous behaviour levels that lead to treating anxiety and panic disorders.

Unlike cocaine (which produces a high or euphoric feeling), Xanax creates more quiet, relaxed, and sometimes tiredness (Evans, R.L. and Cardoni, A.A., 1981)

Can you take Naproxen with Xanax?

Taking Naproxen when on Xanax can be YES and NO; the answer is not quite that simple.

Some research has shown no interactions, while some have stated that taking Naproxen with Xanax can lead to adverse side effects.

It is always best to consult a healthcare professional on any doubts you have regarding medications and their interactions with each other (Brinkmann, H. and Philippe, H., 2008).

Study

According to Ehealthme drug interactions are seen among people who use Naproxen and Xanax.

The website conducts a phase 4 clinical study based on reports of 1119 people from the data available from the FDA. It suggests that the common interactions are injury among females and insomnia among males.

According to these reports, some common Naproxen and Xanax interactions include; abdominal cramps and discomfort, kidney problems, respiratory issues, back pain, choking, a state of confusion, drowsiness, coughing, etc.

Ehealthme.com suggests using their study as a second opinion to make better healthcare decisions.

Forms and Strengths

Naproxen

Naproxen comes in tablets, capsules, and liquid solution forms. Depending on what condition the person needs, the doctor prescribes the required form of the medication.

Regular Naproxen comes at the strengths of 250 mg, 375 mg, and 500 mg. The fast-absorbing tablets and capsules are available at 220 mg (also available over-the-counter), and 275 and 550 mg are available with a prescription. The liquid solution comes at the strength of 50mg/ml. 

Xanax

Xanax comes in tablets, capsules, and liquid solutions to treat anxiety and depression.

Xanax comes at the strengths of: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg of (alprazolam). 

Dosage

Naproxen for pain and inflammation

Tablet

Initial dosage(Adult)

Maintenance dosage(Adult)

Immediate release

750 mg

250 mg every 8 hours until the pain reduces.

Delayed release

1000-1500 mg

1000 mg/ day until the pain reduces.

The dosage of Naproxen for people under 18 years of age is unclear and generally not advised due to the risks of adverse side effects.

Xanax for Anxiety

Immediate release tablets

Initial dosage

Maintenance dosage

Maximum dosage

For Adults 18+

0.25-0.5 mg 3 times/day.

subjective

4 mg/ day.

For Geriatric

0.25 mg 2-3 times/day.

subjective

N/A

Geriatric patients must use Xanax with caution. It is not advised for people under the age of 18 years to use Xanax and is typically not prescribed. 

Side effects

Both Naproxen and Xanax come with immense benefits to most people. However, like every medicine having side effects on some people, Naproxen and Xanax are no exceptions.

Some are common side effects that can harm you a little, while some may result in causing more damage depending on person to person.

Below are some of the side effects that are caused by Naproxen and Xanax listed individually.

Naproxen

  • Naproxen may cause stomach issues-(Naproxen is known to cause stomach pain and bleeding in some people. It can be understood when a person has bloody or tarty stools, cough up blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds).
  • Liver problems-(Nausea, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, itching, and tired feeling).
  • Kidney-related problems-(Little or no urinating, feet or ankles swelling, feeling tired, and shortness of breath).
  • Naproxen might cause skin reactions-(Swelling of face or throat, fever, sore throat, burning sensation in the eyes, skin pain, etc.). 

Xanax

  • Breathing problems-(Xanax can cause weak or shallow breathing in some people).
  • Excitement behaviour-(It can cause a person to feel agitated, have racing thoughts, and tend to be more talkative).
  • Insomnia-(People may increase energy levels leading to feeling less tired).
  • Dizziness-(A person may feel lightheaded or tired after using Xanax).

There are other side effects that are not mentioned in this article. It would be best to consult a doctor if you have confusion or are having symptoms of any side effects. 

Drug Interactions

Naproxen

About 392 drugs known to us interact with Naproxen, ranging from minor to major interactions. 

  • Aspirin
  • Fish Oil
  • Lexapro
  • Zoloft
  • Nexium

Xanax

There are 510 known drugs that interact with Xanax, ranging from minor to major interactions.

  • Gabapentin
  • Norco
  • Oxycodone
  • Tramadol
  • Zoloft

It is not advised to drink alcohol with Naproxen and Xanax. Both, Naproxen and Xanax can be taken with or without food. However, taking them with food may be better as it may reduce the risks of an upset stomach.

Conclusion

Naproxen is a medication that is primarily used to treat pain and inflammation. However, it is also used to treat arthritis, spondylitis, gout or menstrual cramps, etc.

In comparison, Xanax is primarily used to treat anxiety and depression and treat panic disorders.

It is still unclear whether taking Naproxen with Xanax is beneficial or harmful, as some researchers have found no interactions while some have found negative aftereffects.

Consulting a doctor and using medications as mentioned in the information leaflet is crucial to reducing side effects risks.

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