There are days when I can't even sleep at night because of body aches, backaches, and headaches. When I go to bed, I toss and turn, and I can't sleep at all. Today, we're going to talk about a medicine that can help reduce pain and help me fall asleep faster.
What is this medicine? Let's understand it simply.
This is actually a combination of two medications. Simply put, this pill contains two things your body needs.
1. Naproxen: This is a pain reliever. In medicine, we call this an NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug) . It works by reducing pain and swelling in your body.
2. Diphenhydramine: This is an antihistamine . It is usually used for allergies. However, this medicine causes drowsiness as a side effect. So, when these two medicines are combined, the pain is reduced and sleep improves. Although it is not available under this name in Sri Lanka, this medicine can be found under brand names such as `(Aleve PM)` abroad.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before deciding whether this medicine is right for you. If you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Do you have these conditions? | Why should I notify? (Simple explanation) |
|---|---|
| Asthma | Some NSAIDs may be contraindicated in asthma patients. |
| Bleeding disorders or taking blood-thinning medications | This medicine increases the risk of intestinal bleeding. |
| History of heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke | NSAID medications can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. |
| Recent bypass surgery (CABG) | It is not recommended to take this medication during the first two weeks after surgery. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Because this medicine is excreted from the body through the kidneys and liver, it can damage those organs. |
| Stomach ulcers or bleeding | This medicine increases the risk of stomach ulcers recurring or bleeding. |
| Glaucoma condition | Diphenhydramine can increase eye pressure and worsen glaucoma. |
| Frequent drinking or smoking | Both of these habits increase the risk of stomach bleeding. |
| Being pregnant or expecting a baby/breastfeeding | This medicine may be harmful to the baby during pregnancy, especially in the last months. |
The correct way to use the medicine
Keep these things in mind when using this medicine.
- Drink it with a glass of water. This will help the medicine be absorbed better into the body.
- If you experience stomach upset or heartburn after taking this medicine, take it with a meal or a glass of milk .
- Don't drink more than the doctor tells you to. And keep the prescribed interval.
- This medicine is not usually recommended for children under the age of 12. Therefore, be sure to seek medical advice before giving this medicine to your child.
What if I take too much medicine by mistake?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, if possible, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. This is very important, as taking too much medicine can cause serious health problems.
The most important thing is that this medicine is for you only. Never give your medicine to someone else. Even if that person has the same symptoms as you, it can be dangerous.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, and traditional medicine you are taking, as some medications can increase side effects or change the way the medicine works.
| Never take this medicine with it! | |
|---|---|
| Cidofovir | Ketorolac (another strong NSAID) |
| MAOIs (a type of medication for depression) | |
| If you use these, be sure to tell your doctor: | |
| Alcohol | Other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Aspirin) |
| Blood thinners | Medications for blood pressure |
| Other sleeping pills | Some medications for mental illness |
| Types of steroids (Steroids - e.g. Prednisone) | Water pills (Diuretics) |
Be especially careful about these things when taking medication.
Please be aware of these points for your safety while using this medicine.
Driving and alcohol
This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy . Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know exactly how this medicine affects you. Also, drinking alcohol while taking this medicine can increase this drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, avoid taking the two together.
Stomach bleeding and injuries
The NSAID ingredient in this medicine, Naproxen, can damage the lining of the stomach, causing ulcers and sometimes bleeding. This can happen without warning . If you experience any of the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately:
- Severe stomach pain
- Vomiting like coffee grounds or vomiting blood
- Black tarry stools
Heart attack and stroke risk
Long-term use of NSAIDs, especially in people with heart disease, may slightly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke . If you experience symptoms such as chest tightness, difficulty breathing, difficulty speaking, or weakness on one side of your body, consider it an emergency and seek medical attention.
Severe skin reactions
Very rarely, some people may develop a severe skin reaction to this medicine. If you experience any of these symptoms, such as fever, body aches, red skin rash, blistering, or peeling skin, stop taking the medicine immediately and see a doctor.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.
| If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergy | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, dark brown/red urine. |
| Heart attack/stroke symptoms | Chest pain, difficulty breathing, numbness on one side of the body. |
| Symptoms of liver/kidney damage | Yellowing of the eyes, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, decreased urine output, and swelling of the legs. |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Drowsiness | Dry mouth (chewing sugarless gum or drinking water may help) |
| Headache | Constipation |
Take-Home Message
- This medicine is a combination of two drugs that treat both pain and insomnia at the same time.
- It is essential to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any other medications you are taking.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and taking other painkillers (especially NSAIDs) while taking the medication.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects, such as stomach pain, black stools, or severe skin rash.
- This medication may cause drowsiness, so be careful when performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving.
- This medicine is for short-term use. If you need to continue using it for more than 10 days, talk to your doctor.
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