Physical therapy that focuses on easing trigger points also may help with pain
Ibuprofen works in as little as 20 minutes, whereas naproxen needs about an hour to take effect
muscle aches
The medical term for period cramps is dysmenorrhea
This article looks at their similarities and differences, including their uses, side effects, and drug interactions
Prescription Drugs, Your Health & Wellness
While ibuprofen is a strong pain reliever, it would take a high dose to affect your period
Ibuprofen has been shown to reduce prostaglandin levels in the lining of
Naproxen also helps relieve symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, which is a type of arthritis that affects the INTRODUCTION
60% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 25% reported a negative
Mild headaches
NSAIDs work best to reduce pain if taken at the first sign of menstrual cramps
Naproxen and ibuprofen are classified as nonselective NSAIDs because they block both cyclooxygenase 2 (COX
Proceed down the algorithm on the basis of pain control and risk factors
Headache
Midol may be beneficial for those experiencing multiple symptoms along with cramps
It was found to reduce work and school absences due to period pain
It is possible that surgical treatments will result in additional pain, but this is uncommon
Acetaminophen is an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever
NSAIDs are fine to take on occasion, but long-term daily use can lead to side effects including stomach ulcers and gastric bleeding
Naproxen, under generic and brand names like Aleve, was prescribed to approximately 6
Additionally, they both come in many different strengths, with lower strengths available OTC and higher strengths available with a prescription
In children, naproxen is used only for those above the age of 12, whereas ibuprofen is available in certain forms that make it easy for younger children to take
One meta-analysis found that the maximum daily dose of diclofenac is more effective than the maximum daily doses of ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib It is available over-the-counter to treat mild to moderate pain, fever, and menstrual cramps
It is used to treat fever, pain and inflammation caused by various kinds
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), at regular doses starting the day before you expect your period to begin can help control the pain of cramps