NSAID Safety: What You Need to Know About Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Pain Relief Risks

When you grab a bottle of NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. Also known as non-narcotic pain relievers, they’re among the most commonly used medications worldwide. But here’s the problem: millions take them daily without knowing the risks. Ibuprofen and naproxen are sold over the counter, so people assume they’re harmless. They’re not. These drugs can cause stomach bleeding, raise blood pressure, damage your kidneys, and even trigger a heart attack—even at the lowest doses.

It’s not just about taking too much. Even taking them for a few days can be dangerous if you’re over 60, have high blood pressure, or take other meds like blood thinners or SSRIs. Ibuprofen, a common NSAID used for headaches, menstrual cramps, and arthritis pain is fine for occasional use—but if you’re using it every day for back pain or knee arthritis, you’re playing Russian roulette with your stomach lining. Naproxen, a longer-acting NSAID often used for chronic pain might seem better because you take it less often, but it stays in your system longer, increasing the chance of kidney damage. And if you’re combining it with alcohol, aspirin, or even certain supplements like fish oil, you’re stacking the risks.

Who should avoid NSAIDs entirely? People with a history of ulcers, heart disease, kidney problems, or those on diuretics or ACE inhibitors. Older adults are especially vulnerable—studies show one in five hospitalizations from NSAID use happens in people over 65. And here’s something most don’t realize: these drugs don’t just hurt your insides. They can make you more likely to fall, especially if you’re on antidepressants or blood pressure meds. The real danger isn’t the pill itself—it’s how casually we treat it.

There are alternatives. For joint pain, physical therapy or topical capsaicin can work just as well without the side effects. For headaches, acetaminophen is safer for your stomach and heart—though it has its own risks if you overdo it. And if you’ve been taking NSAIDs for months because "it just helps," it’s time to talk to your doctor. You don’t need to suffer, but you also don’t need to risk your health for a quick fix.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how to use these drugs safely, what symptoms to watch for, and what to do when the pain won’t go away. No fluff. No marketing. Just what works—and what could hurt you.