There is not much in life that is more immobilizing than menstrual cramps, rarg! I have had awful cramps for most my life; buckled over, nauseous, on the verge of passing out or throwing up or both. When I first consulted with my OB-GYN, he prescribed me prescription strength Naproxen Sodium. The BOMB, that’s all I have to say. I was actually completely functional. Prior to this, I had tried Vicodin and Percocet, but those made me pass out and wake up like 4 hours later, not what I need when trying to work or take care of my kids.
Now that I have two kids, the cramps are not quite as immobilizing, but they are still there. The only thing I find that helps without a prescription is Aleve. Aleve is brand name Naproxen Sodium and it is awesome. I have tried other menstrual medications like Midol and they have made me throw up. I find that Naproxen Sodium does the trick.
What the medicine (Naproxen Sodium) actually does is relax the cramping. Menstrual cramping is like a mild (not really) form of contractions, those things you get when having a baby! Menstrual cramps are thought to be related to a naturally occurring hormone-like substance called prostaglandins which causes the uterus to contract. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Naproxen Sodium used around the clock as soon as you notice the first sign of your period help to reduce the severity of cramps in many women by inhibiting the release of prostaglandins.
Aleve says take 1 every 8 hours. However, I find that if I take 2 right away and then 1 every 6 hours, life is GOLDEN. Wouldn’t even know it was that time of the month, except for my attitude of course.