Alternatives to Naproxen: Safer Pain Relief Options
If naproxen causes stomach pain, raises blood pressure, or your doctor warned about heart risk, you don’t have to suffer. There are other medications and non-drug options that can ease pain and inflammation while lowering side effects. Pick a path based on your condition and risk factors.
Other medications to try
Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is a go-to for mild to moderate pain and is easier on the stomach than naproxen. It won’t reduce inflammation, so it’s better for headaches or basic aches. Ibuprofen works like naproxen but wears off faster; OTC forms often help muscle pain and fever. Topical NSAIDs such as diclofenac gel give local anti-inflammatory action with less systemic exposure — ideal for joint pain. For patients who need long-term anti-inflammatory treatment but have stomach issues, prescription COX-2 inhibitors (for example, celecoxib) reduce GI side effects but can raise cardiovascular risk. Aspirin can relieve pain and lower fever, but it’s not usually the best daily plan because it can irritate the stomach and has blood-thinning effects.
Non-drug approaches and supplements
Physical therapy, targeted exercise, and weight loss often cut joint pain and improve function over weeks to months. Heat and cold help short-term: ice for swelling and heat for stiff muscles. TENS units or braces can give relief without pills. Supplements offer options too — omega-3 oil reduces inflammatory markers and may ease joint discomfort; curcumin (from turmeric) has trial evidence for pain relief in osteoarthritis; glucosamine can help people with osteoarthritis. Topical capsaicin cream reduces nerve pain in some cases. Be careful: supplements can interact with blood thinners or other drugs, so check with your clinician.
Which choice fits you? If you have stomach ulcers, heart disease, kidney problems, or take blood thinners, avoid NSAIDs like naproxen and ibuprofen unless directed by a doctor. For short-term pain, OTC NSAIDs or acetaminophen often help. For chronic joint pain, try combining physical therapy, topical NSAIDs, and a targeted supplement under medical guidance. If you need ongoing anti-inflammatory power and have GI risk, ask about COX-2 options or protective strategies like taking drugs with food and using the lowest effective dose.
Watch for warning signs: black stools, severe stomach pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden swelling, or reduced urine output — get medical help. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about safer alternatives, dosing, and interactions. Trying a different strategy could cut pain and keep your stomach and heart safer.
For specific problems, pick targeted options. Headaches and fever often respond well to acetaminophen. Menstrual cramps usually get better with ibuprofen or naproxen, but if NSAIDs are off-limits, combine acetaminophen with heat and gentle movement. Gout flares aren’t a job for OTC painkillers alone — doctors use colchicine or short courses of steroids and diet changes to control attacks. If you have reduced kidney function or are elderly, avoid NSAIDs and review doses with a clinician. Keep a simple pain plan: lowest dose, shortest time, and a backup non-drug strategy like exercise.
