Charlie asked
Can you take hydrocodone and Aleve together? I was prescribed hydrocodone but I don't want to take something strong if I don't have to.
Answer
Hydrocodone and Aleve (naproxen) can safely be taken together and there is no drug interaction between the two medications. Below, we discuss both medications in greater detail.
Aleve (Naproxen) Information
Aleve (naproxen) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) available over the counter and is commonly used to treat a variety of ailments including mild to moderate pain, headache, and fever. It is similar to Advil (ibuprofen), another NSAID, but Aleve is noted for its longer duration of action than Advil. Aleve works for about 8 to 12 hours per dose while Advil only works for 4 to 6 hours.
When taken by mouth, it is absorbed well in the GI tract and typically starts working within 30 minutes to 1 hour. When taken with food it absorbs at a slower rate and therefore may take a bit longer to work. The peak effects of Aleve will occur within 2-4 hours after taking your dose.
Hydrocodone Information
Hydrocodone is a controlled substance pain medication that typically comes as a combination tablet with acetaminophen (e.g. Vicodin, Norco). Hydrocodone starts working in about 30 minutes after taking a dose by mouth and reaches peak effect in about 90 minutes. The duration of action of hydrocodone is around 3-4 hours.
Hydrocodone is an opioid medication and is considered a stronger analgesic than Aleve. It does not however, posses any anti-inflammatory properties.
Taking Hydrocodone With Aleve
As stated above, it is safe to take hydrocodone with Aleve. It is not uncommon to be prescribed hydrocodone, a relatively strong pain killer, but be advised to take Aleve as your first line therapy. If Aleve doesn't provide adequate pain relief, hydrocodone may safely be taken for better pain-relieving effects.
You may get more benefit using both pain killers together. Aleve has anti-inflammatory actions while hydrocodone does not. Taking both together can help reduce inflammation and provide adequate pain relief.
It should be noted that taking both hydrocodone and Aleve together may increase the risk of certain GI side effects such as nausea and cramping. It would be advised to at least separate the doses by a few hours and take them with food as well.
