Aleve (Naproxen) and Alcohol: Why You Shouldn’t Mix Them

Mixing Aleve with alcohol can elevate the likelihood of severe side effects, such as stomach bleeding, and should therefore be avoided.

Using over-the-counter pain relievers like Aleve (naproxen) is a common practice for managing pain. However, the availability of such medications without a prescription does not eliminate the risk of drug interactions. Combining Aleve with alcohol, as well as with similar drugs like Motrin (ibuprofen), can be dangerous. It is crucial to understand the potential hazards associated with mixing alcohol and Aleve.

Key Takeways

• Avoid Mixing Aleve with Alcohol: Combining Aleve (naproxen) with alcohol significantly increases the risk of severe side effects like stomach bleeding and ulcers.
• Risks of NSAIDs and Alcohol: Mixing alcohol with any NSAIDs, including Aleve, Motrin (ibuprofen), and aspirin, can lead to elevated blood alcohol levels, gastrointestinal injuries, and prolonged bleeding times.
• Understanding Naproxen (Aleve): Aleve is an over-the-counter NSAID used to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation by blocking COX enzymes, with a recommended adult dosage of one to two 220 mg tablets every 8–12 hours.
• Potential Side Effects of Aleve: Common side effects of Aleve include abdominal discomfort and headaches, while serious risks involve gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney impairment, and increased chances of heart attacks and strokes.
• Seek Help for Alcohol Use: Difficulty avoiding alcohol while taking NSAIDs like Aleve may indicate a deeper alcohol use issue, and professional addiction treatment programs can provide essential support and recovery strategies.

Is It Safe to Consume Alcohol While Taking Aleve?

It is strongly recommended to avoid alcohol consumption when taking naproxen. Combining alcohol with Aleve significantly increases the risk of life-threatening complications like stomach bleeding.

Dangers of Mixing Alcohol with Naproxen and Other NSAIDs

Aleve is not the only NSAID to be cautious about when consuming alcohol. It is important to refrain from drinking while taking any NSAIDs, including aspirin, due to the heightened risk of stomach damage and bleeding. The specific dangers include:

• Higher Blood Alcohol Levels: Consuming alcohol while on certain NSAIDs like aspirin can result in elevated blood alcohol concentrations.
• Gastrointestinal Injury: Increased chances of bleeding and ulcer formation due to the combined irritation of alcohol and NSAIDs on the stomach lining.
• Extended Bleeding Time: NSAIDs can prolong bleeding, especially when taken alongside alcohol.

What Is Naproxen (Aleve)?

Aleve, whose active ingredient is naproxen, falls under the category of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are used to reduce fever, alleviate pain, and lessen inflammation. They work by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are involved in the body’s pain and inflammatory responses.

Naproxen is available over the counter both under the brand name Aleve and in its generic form. It is offered in 220 mg tablets or capsules, with the recommended dosage for adults being one to two tablets every 8–12 hours.

Aleve Side Effects

Like all medications, Aleve may cause some common side effects, including:

• Abdominal discomfort
• Indigestion
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Flu-like symptoms
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Rash

In addition to these, Aleve has warnings for rare but serious side effects such as:

• Elevated blood pressure
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Stomach ulcers
• Perforation of the stomach
• Kidney impairment
• High blood potassium levels
• Heart failure
• Heart attacks
• Stroke

Avoiding Alcohol While Taking NSAIDs

Struggling to avoid alcohol while using Aleve might indicate a more significant issue with alcohol use. The Recovery Village Indianapolis offers comprehensive addiction treatment programs to support you. Our medically supervised alcohol detox program can help you gradually reduce alcohol intake, while our alcohol rehab programs provide long-term strategies to maintain sobriety. Contact us today to embark on your path to recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mixing Alcohol and Aleve

1. Can I Take Aleve with Alcohol?

Answer: It’s generally recommended to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Aleve (naproxen). Both alcohol and Aleve can irritate the stomach lining, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and stomach pain. Additionally, combining them may strain the liver and kidneys.

2. How Long Should You Wait After Taking Aleve Before Drinking?

Answer: Aleve is a long-lasting NSAID with a half-life of approximately 12–17 hours. It typically takes around five half-lives for the drug to be completely eliminated from your system, meaning naproxen can remain in your body for nearly three days. To ensure safety, it is advisable to avoid alcohol during this period.

However, individual medical conditions and other medications may increase the risks associated with drinking after taking Aleve. In some cases, you might need to abstain from alcohol for a longer duration. It is essential to consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice based on your specific situation.

3. What Are the Risks of Taking Aleve with Alcohol?

Answer: Combining Aleve with alcohol can increase the risk of several adverse effects, including:

• Drowsiness and Dizziness: Enhanced sedative effects, which can impair your ability to perform tasks that require alertness.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Increased risk of stomach bleeding, ulcers, and gastritis.
• Liver Damage: Both substances are metabolized by the liver, potentially leading to liver strain or damage.
• Kidney Problems: Long-term use of NSAIDs like Aleve can affect kidney function, and alcohol can exacerbate this effect.

4. What Should I Do If I’ve Taken Aleve and Consumed Alcohol Together?

Answer: If you’ve consumed a small amount of alcohol with Aleve and are not experiencing any adverse symptoms, monitor yourself for any unusual signs such as stomach pain, dizziness, excessive drowsiness, or signs of bleeding (e.g., black or bloody stools). If you experience any concerning symptoms or have taken larger amounts of either substance, seek medical attention promptly.