Can’t take naproxen or want something that hurts your stomach less? You’ve got options. Naproxen is a strong anti-inflammatory pain reliever, but it’s not right for everyone—people with stomach ulcers, certain kidney problems, or NSAID allergies need alternatives. Below I’ll walk you through practical choices, when they make sense, and what to watch for.
Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is the go-to for many people with mild to moderate pain who can’t take NSAIDs. It works best for headaches and general aches. Follow product labels or your doctor’s advice—typical max doses are often listed as 3,000–4,000 mg per day for adults, but check with a clinician if you have liver issues.
If inflammation is the main problem (like a sprained ankle or arthritis), other NSAIDs can help but carry similar risks to naproxen. Ibuprofen is common and available OTC. For people who need a prescription option that may cause less stomach upset, celecoxib (a COX-2 inhibitor) is sometimes used—but it can affect the heart, so discuss your heart and blood pressure history with your doctor before trying it.
For muscle-related pain, a short course of a muscle relaxant such as cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) can be helpful. It won’t reduce inflammation but can ease spasms and improve sleep so the body heals. Watch for drowsiness and avoid mixing with alcohol or sedatives.
For neuropathic pain (burning, shooting, tingling), medicines that aren’t painkillers work better. Gabapentin or pregabalin and certain antidepressants like duloxetine can reduce nerve pain. These take time to work and need a prescriber.
Topical NSAIDs (diclofenac gel) or lidocaine patches let you treat pain locally with less whole-body exposure. They’re good for joint or muscle pain near the surface. Capsaicin cream can also help some chronic pains but can sting at first.
Non-drug choices often get overlooked but they matter: physical therapy, guided stretching, strength work, heat/ice, acupuncture, and TENS units can cut pain and reduce reliance on meds. Injections like corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid are options for targeted joint inflammation—those require a specialist.
Stronger opioid painkillers are an option for short-term severe pain but carry major risks—dependence, sedation, constipation. Doctors usually reserve them for severe cases or post-surgery pain and use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
Bottom line: pick an alternative based on the type of pain, your medical history, and how long you expect the pain to last. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before switching—especially if you have heart, kidney, liver, or bleeding issues, are pregnant, or take other medicines. A good plan mixes the right medicine with simple self-care and, when needed, rehab or specialist care.
