Why is this medication prescribed?

Aleve PM is a brand-name combination medication that typically contains naproxen sodium (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, NSAID) and diphenhydramine (an antihistamine). It is commonly used for temporary relief of occasional sleeplessness associated with minor aches and pains.

Here’s why each component is included in Aleve PM:

• Naproxen Sodium (NSAID): Naproxen sodium is a pain reliever (analgesic) and anti-inflammatory medication. It helps reduce pain and inflammation, which can be beneficial for conditions such as minor aches, headaches, muscle pain, back pain, menstrual cramps, and arthritis.
• Diphenhydramine: Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is often used to treat allergies and as a sleep aid. In Aleve PM, diphenhydramine helps to induce drowsiness and promote sleepiness, which can be useful for those experiencing difficulty falling asleep due to pain or discomfort.

Therefore, Aleve PM is prescribed to help relieve minor aches and pains while also promoting sleep for individuals who have difficulty sleeping due to pain or discomfort. It’s important to use it as directed and to be aware of potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

How should this medicine be used?

Aleve PM, which contains diphenhydramine along with naproxen sodium, is typically used to relieve minor aches and pains that are accompanied by difficulty sleeping. Here are some general guidelines on how Aleve PM should be used:

• Dosage: Follow the dosage instructions provided on the packaging or as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
• Administration: Aleve PM is usually taken orally (by mouth) with a full glass of water. It should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.
• Timing: It is often taken at bedtime or as directed by your doctor, especially if the pain and difficulty sleeping are interfering with your ability to rest.
• Duration: Use Aleve PM for the shortest duration necessary to relieve your symptoms, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.
• Avoid Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Aleve PM, as it can increase the risk of serious side effects, including drowsiness and dizziness.
• Consultation: Before starting Aleve PM, inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter and prescription medications, to avoid potential interactions.
• Medical Conditions: If you have certain medical conditions (e.g., kidney disease, stomach ulcers), or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Aleve PM.
• Seek Medical Attention: If your symptoms worsen or persist despite using Aleve PM, or if you experience any severe side effects, seek medical attention promptly.

Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the product labeling. Using Aleve PM properly helps maximize its benefits while minimizing the risk of side effects.

Other uses for this medicine

• Motion Sickness: Diphenhydramine can be used to prevent and treat motion sickness due to its sedating effects. Aleve PM may be used in this context, but again, there are single-ingredient formulations of diphenhydramine that may be more appropriate.
• Nausea and Vomiting: In some cases, diphenhydramine can be used to help alleviate nausea and vomiting, although it’s not the primary medication used for this purpose.

What special precautions should I follow?

When using Aleve PM or any medication containing diphenhydramine and naproxen sodium, consider the following precautions:

• Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can enhance the sedative effects of diphenhydramine, increasing drowsiness and impairing alertness. It can also increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding associated with naproxen sodium.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Avoid these activities until you know how the medication affects you.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your healthcare provider if you have any medical conditions, particularly:
  • Stomach or Intestinal Issues: Naproxen sodium can increase the risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers, especially in individuals with a history of these conditions.
  • Kidney or Liver Disease: Adjustments to the dosage of naproxen sodium may be necessary.
  • Asthma or Breathing Problems: Diphenhydramine can thicken mucus and impair breathing in individuals with asthma or chronic bronchitis.
  • Glaucoma: Diphenhydramine can worsen symptoms of glaucoma due to its anticholinergic effects.
• Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Naproxen sodium can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and other NSAIDs.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor before using Aleve PM if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Naproxen sodium and diphenhydramine can both potentially harm the fetus or nursing infant.
• Older Adults: Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Aleve PM, such as drowsiness, confusion, and dizziness.

Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider or on the product label. If you have any questions or concerns about using Aleve PM, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Aleve PM. However, to minimize the risk of stomach upset, it is generally recommended to take naproxen sodium with food or milk. This can help protect your stomach lining from irritation caused by the medication.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of Aleve PM, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Aleve PM, which contains naproxen sodium and diphenhydramine, can cause a range of side effects. It’s important to be aware of these potential side effects and to seek medical attention if you experience any severe reactions. Common side effects of Aleve PM may include:

• Gastrointestinal Effects: Naproxen sodium can irritate the stomach lining, leading to symptoms such as:
  • Stomach pain
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Indigestion
• Drowsiness: Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine with sedative effects, which can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to concentrate or operate machinery. This effect may persist into the following day for some individuals.
• Dizziness: Feeling dizzy or lightheaded is a common side effect, especially when standing up quickly from a sitting or lying position.
• Dry Mouth: Diphenhydramine can cause dryness of the mouth, which may contribute to dental decay if proper oral hygiene is not maintained.
• Blurred Vision: Some people may experience blurred vision or difficulty focusing while taking Aleve PM.
• Constipation: This can occur as a side effect of naproxen sodium.
• Difficulty Urinating: Diphenhydramine can affect the ability to urinate, particularly in men with enlarged prostate glands.
• Serious Allergic Reaction: Although rare, some people may experience a severe allergic reaction to naproxen sodium or diphenhydramine, characterized by rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Other Effects: Less common side effects may include ringing in the ears (tinnitus), mood changes, and changes in blood pressure.

If you experience any severe side effects or any symptoms that are concerning to you while taking Aleve PM, seek immediate medical attention. It’s also essential to discuss any persistent or bothersome side effects with your healthcare provider, as they may recommend adjustments to your treatment plan or alternative medications.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Aleve PM:

• Storage: Keep Aleve PM in its original packaging or container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Avoid storing it in the bathroom. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal: Dispose of Aleve PM and any unused or expired medications properly to prevent accidental ingestion by children, pets, or others. Follow any specific disposal instructions provided by your pharmacist or local waste disposal facility. Do not flush medications down the toilet unless instructed to do so.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Emergency: If you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms after taking Aleve PM, such as trouble breathing, severe drowsiness, seizures, or vomiting blood, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services (911 in the United States) or your local poison control center.
• Overdose: Overdose of naproxen sodium can cause symptoms such as drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and in severe cases, kidney failure or coma. Overdose of diphenhydramine can cause symptoms like extreme drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision, and seizures.
• Poison Control: Contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 (in the United States) for guidance on what to do if you suspect an overdose.

What other information should I know?

• Medical History: Inform your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, including any allergies, medical conditions, and medications you are currently taking.
• Driving and Activities: Aleve PM can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to perform activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Avoid these activities until you know how the medication affects you.
• Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can increase the risk of certain side effects of Aleve PM, such as drowsiness and gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Monitoring: Monitor your symptoms and response to Aleve PM regularly. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor before using Aleve PM if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Naproxen sodium and diphenhydramine can both potentially harm the fetus or nursing infant.
• Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to avoid potential interactions.

By following these guidelines and being informed about proper storage, disposal, and what to do in case of emergencies or overdose, you can use Aleve PM safely and effectively. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about this medication.