Background Information on Naproxen and Caffeine
Naproxen is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) commonly used to treat inflammation, headaches, cramps, and arthritis. It is easily available in drugstores and purchased with or without a doctor’s prescription. Caffeine is an ingredient in coffee, tea and certain soft drinks and energy drinks. Its effects are known to generally increase mental alertness and provide a short-term boost in alertness or energy.
Effects of Taking Naproxen and Drinking Coffee
It is important to know that caffeine can have an adverse effect when taking naproxen. Naproxen can sometimes irritate the lining of the stomach, and caffeine can further aggravate this condition when taken at the same time. When taken with caffeine, naproxen can increase the risk of dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Therefore, it is essential to understand the recommended time and amount of caffeine to be taken with naproxen.
Recommended Time for Drinking Coffee after Taking Naproxen
The suggested time for taking coffee after having taken naproxen is at least two hours. It should be noted that the time can vary from one person to the next depending on individual sensitivity, the dosage taken and other medications they may be taking.
Doctor’s Advice on Timing
Experts suggest that it is wise to consult with a doctor to determine exactly how long after taking naproxen one should wait before consuming caffeine. Doctors may also advise if there is a safer alternative that can be taken instead of Naproxen, if the condition is such that it warrants it.
Does Caffeine Increase Naproxen’s Effects?
Caffeine is known to increase the effects of naproxen. Taking caffeine with naproxen increases the amount of drug that reaches the bloodstream and enhances its effects. Consuming caffeine with naproxen increases the chances of side effects like queasiness, dizziness, fatigue, and irritability. It can also cause caffeine over-stimulation.
Calculating the Recommended Intake
It is important to consider the amount of caffeine being recommended, as too much can cause side effects. Studies have shown that caffeine can increase the effects of naproxen by about 12 to 17%, which means that one should consider a caffeine intake of less than 12 mg per pound of body weight when taken with naproxen.
Alternatives to Caffeine
The best way to benefit from naproxen while avoiding the caffeine effect is to look for alternatives. There are natural alternatives to caffeine like herbal teas and decaffeinated drinks, which can give you the same physical benefits without the intensity of caffeine.
Interactions in Other Medications
It is important to remember that other medications taken can also interact with naproxen and caffeine, so it is important to ask your doctor about what other drugs may have interactions when taken with naproxen and caffeine. Some medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib and aspirin can interact with caffeine and increase the risk of certain side effects.
Long-Term Intake
Long-term use of naproxen and caffeine can lead to increased tolerance to caffeine and its effects, meaning that a person will need to increase their caffeine consumption to continue experiencing the same benefits. In addition, long-term consumption of caffeine can cause psychological dependence, rebound headaches and insomnia. Therefore, it is important to limit the long-term consumption; and to consult a doctor before continuing long-term use of both substances.
Managing Drinking Coffee After Taking Naproxen
It is important to remember that taking caffeine with naproxen can have serious consequences. Therefore, it is recommended to wait at least two hours before drinking coffee after taking naproxen. In addition, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the recommended amount of caffeine to be taken with naproxen and to know if other medications taken can interact with both substances. Finally, it is important to manage long-term intake, as too much of either can have serious health risks.
