Drug and Alcohol

L368 Pill: Usage, Side Effects, & Other Issues Around Naproxen

What is the L368 Pill?

What is the L368 Pill? A potent form of an over-the-counter pain reliever, L368 pills can still be risky if misused or combined with other drugs.

Pain management medications have become an integral part of the lives of millions. In fact, they have been part of us for a long time.

Historically, it was believed that willow trees had natural salicin. Many believed this naturally occurring substance was used as an analgesic. Today we have nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are used in managing pain of many kinds. These belong to the therapeutic drug class prescribed to reduce inflammation, fever, pain, and blood clots.

Today will focus on one such NSAID drug known as naproxen, Aleve, or L368 pills. Not many people are aware of this drug and its nature. There is a lot of confusion about whether it is addictive or not.

What Pill Is L368 (Naproxen)?

You may have heard about the L368 pill or naproxen brand name Aleve. It is a Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) approved by the United States in 1976.

Two types of naproxen are prescribed for managing pain. The two kinds are regular naproxen and naproxen sodium. The former regular ones are available in oral tablets with immediate-release formulations, oral liquid mixture, and oral delayed-release tablets.

Naproxen sodium also comes with immediate-release and extended-release tablets. Regular naproxen are the ones that are typically available in over-the-counter forms. There are several brand names under which L368 pills are sold, such as Naprosyn, Anaprox DS, and Naprelan. 

Many people have a misconception that naproxen is a narcotic pain medication. This is false as it does not contain narcotic traces and is not a typical painkiller. However, it treats pain related to headaches, body aches, and inflammation. It is considered one of the best OTC medications for relieving mild to moderate forms of pain.

Since it is an NSAID, it works similarly to other opioid pain medications like oxycodone, tramadol, or hydrocodone. Let's discuss exactly how this medication works. 

What Does an L368 PIll Look Like?

The L368 pill is an oblong-shaped tablet with a score line on one side and the imprint "L368" on the other. The pill is white in color, and it can be found in 10mg and 20mg doses. It is important to always check your medication closely before taking any pills. If you have questions about what your medication looks like, reach out to your healthcare provider to make sure you are taking the right medication.

In addition to knowing what L368 pills look like, it is important to understand potential side effects and proper dosage instructions for this medication. Always take L368 as prescribed by your healthcare provider and never exceed the recommended dosage or combine it with other drugs or alcohol. Doing so can have serious health consequences.

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How Does the L368 Pill Work?

Opioid painkillers work by binding to the opioid receptors in our brains. This impacts our central nervous system, generating disassociating and euphoric feelings. This is the reason opioid painkillers make the user feel high.

Naproxen does not work in this way, though. The user who takes naproxen does not have this kind of chemical reaction in their body and brain as it is not a narcotic drug. As an NSAID, it works by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. Once it enters our bloodstream, the medication blocks the COX or cyclo-oxygenase enzymes, producing prostaglandin. Prostaglandin is a hormone-like substance that is the reason for causing inflammation. The users are not likely to experience any euphoria. 

What Does the L368 Pill Look Like?

What Is Naproxen Used For?

There are a wide variety of medications that have naproxen in them. A few of these include Aleve medicine, Anaprox, Anaprox DS, EC Naprosyn, Naprosyn, Naprekan, Midol extended relief, Mediproxen, and Pamprin maximum strength all day. You have to consult and talk with a medical caregiver before starting on any of these drugs. L368 pills are prescription tablets that are used in a variety of conditions. It was first patented in 1967 and came to the U.S. market in 1976. It is approved for treating the following conditions and is available in both OTC and generic medication forms. 

  • Osteoarthritis: A condition that develops due to joint tissue breakdown.

  • Menstrual Period Pain

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease that impacts the joints.

  • Gout Symptoms: A condition that is caused by the buildup of uric acid.

  • Tendonitis: It is a condition of inflamed tendons.

  • Ankylosing Spondylitis: A type of arthritis that affects the spine.

  • Bursitis: This is a condition where the fluid-filled sacs around our joints get inflamed.  

  • Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: The condition of arthritis that affects children's single or multiple joints. 

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What Are Some L368 Pill Side Effects?

Side effects of any medication are an individualistic element that changes for everyone. The frequency and severity of side effects are highly dependent on various factors like the dose, medical diagnosis and condition of the patient, duration of treatment, and other individual risk factors.

One of Naproxen's most common side effects is that it makes the user tired. So, it is recommended not to drive or use any heavy machinery when under the influence of this drug. Since the user becomes drowsy, their reflexes, ability to react, and overall alertness are also dull. Below are some mild to severe side effects that can be experienced by an L368 pill user. These are:

L368 Pill: Common Side Effects

Common side effects of using naproxen are stomach pain, gas, heartburn, dizziness, constipation, constipation, vomiting, and nausea. These mild effects generally go away after a few days or weeks. If they don't or get worse, contact your doctor immediately. 

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L368 Pill: Serious Side Effects

The serious side effects of using naproxen are chest pain, trouble speaking, weakening in a single region of the body, stomach pain, high blood pressure, swelling of the throat and face, bloody and sticky stool, bloody vomit, asthma attack in people who have asthma, bleeding in stomach & intestines, yellowing skin, skin rashes, weight gain with swelling on arms, legs, and feet, fatigue with lethargy and low red blood count.

You must immediately call 911 or go to your nearest medical healthcare facility to get yourself checked in case of the above-mentioned side effects. 

Is the L368 Pill Addictive?

There is a lot of speculation about naproxen being addictive or not. The simple answer to this query is no. No, L368 pills are not addictive as they are not narcotic painkillers. They do not contain opioids and do not produce euphoria in the user.

So, you can't become addicted to this medication. However, there is a catch. You can develop a tolerance for it if you use it over a long time.

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L368 Pill: The Risks and Dangers of Tolerance

Tolerance is built up in our system when our body becomes used to the everyday amount of naproxen taken by the user. When a person develops a tolerance to a drug, the user will need to take more of the drug to feel the same effect.

This practice increases the risk of overdosing on L368 pills. It is possible to overdose on L368 pills, and we will talk about this issue in the below section. There is also the issue of withdrawal symptoms. Users can also experience withdrawal effects if they suddenly quit the substance after using Naproxen for a long period of time. Their body will go off-balance, and the user can experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. 

The user will not likely become mentally dependent on the drug, and their brain will not react badly to its use. However, this does not a person should be careless about how much Naproxen they take.

Medication like L368 pills should only be used per doctors' directions as they can react badly with other medications that you may take daily. Understanding drug interactions is important. Find treatment immediately if you feel a change in your skin or any swelling or rashes. 

Naproxen comes with a severe warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is mentioned that this medication can increase the risk of users getting heart-related diseases. High doses, even if prescribed properly, can increase your blood pressure. It should not be taken anywhere near the timeline of having bypass surgery. Otherwise, it can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Also, the L368 pill isn’t recommended for people over 65. 

How Long Does Naproxen Take to Kick In?

Since naproxen comes in two forms, regular and naproxen sodium, they have different onset durations. Regular naproxen can take the user approximately 2-4 hours before the medication hits the peak. On the other hand, naproxen sodium can reach its peak quickly with 1-2 hours of duration. This happens because naproxen sodium is absorbed by our body more quickly than regular naproxen.

Regarding the time it can take to flush from our body, naproxen can take as long as 4 days to be eliminated. It is very hard to guess the exact time as it depends on the condition for which the medication is being used. Generally, doctors prescribe naproxen to be taken after 6-12 hours.

It can take a while before all symptoms go away. 4 days are enough for its traces to be flushed out from the system. 

L368 Pill: How Naproxen Interacts With Other Medications

It is well-known that medication can interact poorly with other substances, including medicines. L368 pills can also interact with certain vitamins, herbs, and medications you consume. The interaction can change the drug's effects and harm the user. In some cases, it renders the medication and its effect useless. A few examples are mentioned below:

Antidepressants

SSRI medications like citalopram (Celexa), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and fluoxetine (Prozac) can interact badly with L368 pills and can lead to stomach and intestinal bleeding.

Heartburn Drugs

Heartburn drugs like sucralfate and aluminum hydroxide with naproxen can slow the treatment process.

Other Prescriptions Like Blood Thinners

Other substances like lithium, methotrexate, cholestyramine, and warfarin can also negatively affect naproxen. 

Can You Overdose on the L368 Pill?

Even though it is not technically possible to get addicted to naproxen, there is still a possibility for a user to abuse and overdose on them. Those still in doubt regarding the overdose aspect should be clear that one can overdose on L368 pills.

Overdose will occur when someone takes more than the prescribed naproxen dosage. It can be an intentional and unintentional overdose since it is a readily available medication.

A few signs and symptoms of L368 pills overdose are:

  • Extreme tiredness

  • Heartburn

  • Drowsiness

  • Confusion

  • Dizziness

  • Stomach pain

  • Nausea

  • Severe headache

  • Diarrhea

  • Seizure

  • Blurred vision

  • Ringing ears

  • High blood pressure

  • Labored breathing

  • Kidney failure

  • Coma

Rare symptoms of L368 overdose can include kidney failure, coma, high blood pressure, allergic reaction, and trouble breathing. 

What Should You Do During an L368 Overdose?

In case you or someone close to you has overdosed on naproxen, it is important to get medical attention as quickly as possible. Go to your nearest emergency room service or call emergency services at 911.

There are several alternatives to naproxen medication. You can consult your doctor about other drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol), meloxicam (Mobic), aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin), diclofenac (Cambia), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). These are just a limited list of drugs that can show the same effect as that of L368 pills.

All Forms of Drug Abuse Are Dangerous: L368 Is No Exception. Reach Out Today to The Edge Treatment Center

Although the L368 pill isn't addictive, it can still be abused. Taking more than the recommended amount of L368 can lead to serious side effects, such as drowsiness, confusion, and impaired coordination. Additionally, combining naproxen with alcohol or other drugs can lead to extreme health issues including organ damage.

At The Edge Treatment Center, we understand how easy it is for individuals to become dependent on prescription medications. Our staff provides a caring and understanding environment so you can safely address your addiction. We have helped many individuals break the cycle of drug abuse and move on to lead healthy, productive lives.

Our certified counselors will create an individualized treatment plan for each patient that includes detox, counseling sessions, relapse prevention strategies, lifestyle changes, and more. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to any form of medication, including L368, please reach out to The Edge Treatment Center. We are here to help and want our patients to have the best chance at successful recovery.

Contact us today or visit our website for more information about our services and treatment plans. Let us take this journey together and get your life back!

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Written by

brian-mooreBrian Moore

Content Writer

Reviewed by

jeremy-arztJeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

Drug and Alcohol

August 25, 2023