Stronger anti inflammatory medication than naproxen

[Strongshell3]

I’m currently taking naproxen and I find it helpful but it’s not helping enough. I take 2 x 250 mg twice a day.

I am worried about increasing and the effects on my stomach.

Any suggestions of stronger meds would be appreciated. It would be good to hear how other anti inflammatories are working for other people

Thanks 😊

[Pink4eva]

Hi , anti-inflammatory meds didn't really work for me. I am on Pregabalin, Duloxetine and Oramorph for pain.

[Strongshell3 in reply to Pink4eva]

thanks for the reply.

That’s interesting. Maybe my inflammation is more EDS related. It is hard distinguishing what symptoms relate to what condition. A lot of them overlap.

[Pink4eva in reply to Strongshell3]

Yes that's the trouble. I have been diagnosed with fibro and on the same medication for at least 10yrs now. Also have menopause symptoms thrown in for good measure.

[lisadavis in reply to Pink4eva]

I’m in exactly the same boat! I was diagnosed around 10 years ago and I’m peri menopausal! I’m on Duloxetine, Gabapentin, Tramadol and Amitriptyline and recently added Diazepam and Naproxen as I slipped a disc in my back! I was on Naproxen 500mg twice a day so you could ask your GP to increase your dose x

[Strongshell3 in reply to lisadavis]

I think I’m going to call my GP today. He asked me to try naproxen consistently and if it doesn’t help. he reassured me he had lots of opinions. Which is really helpful but I hate trying new medications

But needs must 🤞🏻X

[Pink4eva]

I love your picture by the way

[Strongshell3 in reply to Pink4eva]

Thanks 😊

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

As I don't have any inflammation, anti inflammatory meds didn't really help me (only use them now if I have a costochondritis flare that won't settle on its own)

Meds that work on neuropathic/nerve pain tend to work better for fibro pain - but some people find no meds help out they cannot tolerate them due to side effects

[Strongshell3 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

That was me at the start of my fibro journey. I have build some tolerance now.

Thanks for the reply x

[Anniebl24]

I use Etoricoxib anti inflam. It is supposed to be kinder to your stomach than many others. One tablets gives me the benefit for at least a couple of days. Perhaps discuss this with your doc.

[Strongshell3 in reply to Anniebl24]

Thanks I will look up this tablet x

[BonnieMagic in reply to Anniebl24]

Hi, I’ve just started Etoricoxib 30mg once a day for OA and am finding it causes stomach pain, worse at night. I was interested that your post implied you didn’t take it every day. It certainly works better than Naproxen for me but the stomach pain is affecting my sleep. Do you have any ideas? Am taking Lansoprazole too.

[Anniebl24 in reply to BonnieMagic]

Do you take it with food? I always have it with a substantial meal. I take it every 2-3 days because I find that just about enough. There are side affects with these kind of tablets. I do not take it with a stomach protector. It works well for me but like all drugs perhaps this is not one for you.

[BonnieMagic in reply to Anniebl24]

Thanks for the heads up. I’m going to leave it tomorrow and take one next day. I usually take it with breakfast but will try lunch or supper and see. Am determined thus will work as am fast running out of options!

[Mollycooper11]

I use Mobic(meloxicam) which strangely enough is the same med one of my dogs is on! 🤣 I trialled Gabapentin but for me all it did was mildly reduce the nerve pain in my feet.

My mother has had 2 spinal fusions and is probably looking at a third, she used to be on Naproxen but was swapped to Celebrex so there's another to maybe ask about.

[Julesubu]

I used to take indomethacin which is an old nsaid and not used much. Didn't take that much as was for migraines as well so tried to not get too used to it. About 5 years ago started getting odd gastric symptoms and had an endoscopy and found duodenal ulcers. This may have been stress in my old job and also had gastritis but can now not take and nsaids and my pain is not good. Have tried Butec patches but reacted with my skin, am now just on co codamol as Tramadol caused a funny reaction after started perimenopause.

It can be hard finding the right meds and sometimes pacing self and not exacerbating pain more is the key.