Psychiatric side effects associated with the ten most commonly dispensed prescription drugs: a review

Journal of Family Practice, August, 1991 by John R. Hubbard, James L. Levenson, Graham A. Patrick

Naprosyn

GENERIC-NAPROXEN

General Information. Naproxen is used at 250 to 500 mg two times per day.[11] This agent is used primarily for arthritis, gout, and other forms of musculoskeletal inflammation.[2,10] Naproxen is one of the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) that affect many cellular and subcellular processes. Although the precise mechanism of action of these drugs is still unclear, they are known to inhibit cyclooxygenase, which depresses the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxanes from the arachidonic acid precursor.[3]

POTENTIAL PSYCHIATRIC SIDE EFFECTS

* Decreased cognitive function

Discussion. There appears to be little support in the literature to suggest that naproxen has significant adverse psychiatric effects. In a controlled study of over 1000 patients, no mention was made of significant psychiatric complaints.[109] Potential decline in cognitive skills was suggested, however, in a recent study of 12 elderly patients.[110] In this 3-week investigation (using naproxen, 750 mg) diminished cognitive skiffs were noted in one or more tests in five patients. Further study will be needed, however, to confirm this observation and to determine whether the elderly are at increased risk. When considering psychiatric issues it is important to note that naproxen has been reported to cause increased lithium levels within 5 days in a study of seven patients,[111] suggesting that patients on lithium may need decreased lithium dosage and close monitoring when naproxen is also used in therapy.

Key words. Prescriptions, drug.

References

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13. Dubnow MH, Burchell HB. A comparison of digitalis intoxication in two separate periods. Ann Intern Med 1965; 62:956-64.