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naproxen PM

Generic Aleve PM
Used for Pain, Insomnia
Used for Pain, Insomnia

Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) is a combination of two medications, naproxen (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID) and diphenhydramine (antihistamine). It's available over the counter and used to treat difficulty sleeping from minor aches and pains.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Michelle Nguyen, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 14, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine)?

What is Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) used for?

  • Trouble falling asleep and staying sleeping due to minor aches and pains

How Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) works

Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) is a combination of two medications that work together to treat difficulty sleeping due to minor aches and pains.

  • Naproxen is an NSAID. It blocks proteins in your body to help treat pain, swelling, and fever.

  • Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. It blocks a chemical in your brain called histamine to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.

Are you looking for information on Advil PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine), naproxen (Aleve), or diphenhydramine (Benadryl)) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAleve PM
Drug ClassNSAID / Antihistamine
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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What are the side effects of Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Other Side Effects

  • Constipation
  • Trouble urinating
  • Kidney problems
  • Blurry vision
  • Confusion

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Heart attack: chest pain or tightness, pain that radiates up to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
  • Stroke: chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness in one part of your body or face, slurred speech, leg swelling
  • Stomach bleeding: feeling faint, vomiting blood, bloody or dark stools, severe stomach pain or discomfort
  • Allergic reactions: hives, rash, blisters, skin reddening, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing,

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
  • Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
  • Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
  • Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
  • Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
  • Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
  • Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
  • Trouble passing urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine)

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Pros

Good option for treating pain and trouble sleeping

Starts working within 30 minutes to 1 hour

More convenient to take two medications in one pill

Available over the counter

Available as a lower-cost, generic form

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Cons

More difficult to customize the dose since Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) is a combination of two medications

Can cause stomach bleeding or stomach ulcers

Can make you sleepy during the day

Can't be used in children younger than 12 years old or people at least 20 weeks pregnant, unless a provider says it's safe.

Not the best choice for people over 65 years old, people with glaucoma, or people with problems urinating

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine)

pharmacist

  • Take Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) with or without food. However, it's best to take with food or milk to prevent getting an upset stomach.

    • Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) can make you sleepy or dizzy during the day, which can negatively impact your ability to complete your daily activities. Don't take Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) unless you can get a full night's sleep. Don't drive until you know how this medication affects you.

      • Stop using Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) and contact your provider if you have pain that gets worse or lasts longer than 10 days, if your sleep doesn't get better for more than 2 weeks, if you get redness or swelling in a painful area, or any new symptoms appear. These could be signs of another underlying medical condition.

        • Tell your provider or pharmacist about all the medications you're taking to make sure Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) is safe for you. Don't start any new medications while taking Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine), especially other antihistamines or NSAIDs, without talking to your provider or pharmacist first. Doing so can raise your risk of overdose and severe side effects, including kidney failure, seizures, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real), daytime sleepiness, drowsiness, stomach bleed, heart attack, stroke, or even death.

          • If you're taking aspirin for your heart and your provider said it's safe to also take Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine), make sure to take aspirin at least 2 hours before Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine). Taking both medications at the same time will lower the amount of aspirin your body will absorb.

            • If you're allergic to aspirin, talk to your provider or pharmacist before starting Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) because you might be allergic to this medication as well.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine)

              How do I know if Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) is safe for me to take?
              Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) is generally safe to take, but it's not the best choice for everyone. If you're 65 years of age or older, you might be at higher risk for more intense side effects from the medication. In addition, if you have certain medical conditions (e.g., a history of serious side effects from other pain relievers; lung, stomach, liver, kidney, or heart problems; high blood pressure; glaucoma; difficulty urinating), or are taking other medications (e.g., water pills or diuretics, sedatives), ask your provider if Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) is safe for you to use.
              What is Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) used for?
              Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) is used for trouble sleeping due to minor aches and pains. Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) contains both naproxen, which treats aches and pain, and diphenhydramine, which helps with sleep. If you're having trouble sleeping that's not related to aches or pain, ask your provider or pharmacist for other options to help you sleep.
              Can I use Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) only when I need it?
              Yes, you can use Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) as needed. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time possible to lower your risk of side effects. Don't use more than 2 caplets in a 24-hour period without talking to your provider first.
              Can I drink alcohol while taking Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine)?
              Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine). Alcohol raises your risk of side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and bleeding in your stomach.
              Why can't children younger than 12 years old use Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine)?
              Children younger than 12 years old can't use Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) because the dosage is too high for them. This raises the risk for overdose and side effects. If your child is having trouble sleeping from minor aches or pains, ask your child's provider or pharmacist for other options.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine)?

              Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Stomach bleeding

              • Risk factors: Age 60 years or older | History of stomach bleeding or bleeding problems | Taking other medications that can cause bleeding | Having 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day | Taking Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) for a long time

                Since Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) contains naproxen, it can cause open sores (ulcers) in your stomach to form, which can lead to bleeding. Stomach bleeding is a dangerous condition that requires treatment right away. Make sure to tell your provider or pharmacist about all of your conditions and medications before starting Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) so they can see if you're at higher risk for stomach bleeding. Let them know if you're taking other medications that can raise your risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, other oral NSAIDs, oral corticosteroids, or blood thinners (anticoagulants). If you're feeling faint, vomiting blood, have bloody or dark stools, or have severe stomach pain or discomfort that doesn't go away while taking Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine), seek medical attention right away.

                risk-warning

                Heart attack and stroke

                • Risk factors: History of heart problems | Taking high doses of Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) | Taking Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) for a long time | History of or planned heart surgery

                  Since Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) contains naproxen, it can raise your risk of blood clots, which can cause a heart attack or stroke. The risk is greater in people with heart problems, people taking high doses of Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine), and people taking Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) for a long time. Try to take the lowest dose for the shortest time. If you have heart problems, talk to your healthcare provider before starting this medication. Don't take Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) if you had, or will have, heart surgery. Call 911 or seek immediate help if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of your body, or trouble speaking or walking.

                  risk-warning

                  Worsening of medical conditions

                  • Risk factors: History of serious side effects from other pain relievers | Heartburn or other stomach problems | Asthma or other breathing problems| Kidney or liver disease | Heart disease or high blood pressure | Glaucoma | Urinary conditions

                    Don't take Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) if you have any of the risk factors listed above unless your provider said it's safe to do so. Taking Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) can worsen your condition(s) and cause serious side effects. Make sure your provider knows about all medical conditions you have or have had in the past before starting Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine).

                    risk-warning

                    Accidental overdose

                    Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) contains an NSAID (naproxen) and an antihistamine (diphenhydramine), which are in many other over-the-counter products. Using more than one medication containing an NSAID or antihistamine, including products used on the skin, can lead to an accidental overdose and cause serious side effects, including kidney failure, seizures, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real), daytime sleepiness, stomach bleed, heart attack, or stroke, or even death.

                    Tell your provider or pharmacist about the medications you take before starting Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) to make sure it's safe for you. Don't start any new medications while taking Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

                    To prevent an accidental overdose, read package labels carefully. If you're not sure if a product has an NSAID or an antihistamine, ask your pharmacist. If you or your loved one experiences an accidental overdose, get medical help right away or contact a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

                    risk-warning

                    Severe allergic reactions

                    • Risk factors: Aspirin allergy | NSAID allergy

                      Severe allergic reactions to Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Let your provider know if you have an allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs before starting Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine). If you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine), seek medical attention right away.

                      risk-warning

                      Potential harm to unborn baby

                      • Risk factors: At least 20 weeks pregnant

                        Avoid taking Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) if you're at least 20 weeks pregnant. This medication contains naproxen. Taking naproxen during this time in pregnancy might cause problems to your unborn baby or complications during delivery. If you're pregnant, talk to your provider first before using Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) to make sure it's safe for you.

                        dosage

                        Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) dosage forms

                        Typical dosing for Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine)

                        • Adults and children age 12 years or older: The typical dose is 2 caplets by mouth every night at bedtime. Don't take more than 2 caplets in a 24-hour period unless your provider specifically told you to do so. Each caplet contains 220 mg of naproxen and 25 mg of diphenhydramine.

                        • Children under 12 years of age: Ask your child's provider.

                        contraindications-icon

                        Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) contraindications

                        Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine) will not be safe for you to take.

                        • Recent or upcoming heart surgery

                        alternatives

                        What are alternatives to Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine)?

                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                        Aleve PM (naproxen / diphenhydramine)
                        Used for:

                        • Trouble falling asleep and staying sleeping due to minor aches and pains

                        View Prices
                        Advil PM (ibuprofen / diphenhydramine)
                        Used for:

                        • Trouble falling asleep and staying sleeping due to minor aches and pains

                        $24.19 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Tylenol PM Extra Strength (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine)
                        Used for:

                        • Short-term relief of occasional headaches, minor aches, and minor pains that cause trouble sleeping

                        $7.14 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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