Is it safe to stop Naproxen abruptly?

Hello doctor,

I have been in a TMJ flare-up for two months. My doctor prescribed 500 mg of Naproxen twice a day to decrease the inflammation and pain a week ago. I have taken fifteen doses. I take the medicine with food or a glass of milk. I also take 60 mg of Dexilant daily so my doctor said that should help keep the Naproxen from upsetting my stomach. I had no stomach upset over the week, but two days ago I noticed a few waves of nausea, but they went away within half an hour. However, last night I began to have strong, continuous waves of nausea for hours. I had to take Zofran to help relieve it. I am not sure if Naproxen is causing my symptoms or if I have a stomach virus. I am unable to see my doctor today (I could possibly see a walk-in doctor tomorrow). Is it possible for side effects of Naproxen to show up one week after starting the drug with no problems the first week? I read that you should not stop taking Naproxen cold turkey, but I am afraid to continue it, as the nausea was terrible. Do you think I should I continue taking the medicine? If I should continue to take it, should I cut my pills in half so I am receiving less of the drug, but not stopping cold turkey? If the nausea is from the Naproxen and I stop taking it or decrease my dosage, how long will it take for the side effects to clear up? Should I not take the Naproxen for today and see a doctor tomorrow to ask for their advice? I also take Bisoprolol 5 mg, and Wellbutrin 100 mg twice daily.

Thank you.

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply

I really appreciate your help. You have made me feel so much better about this because I was very scared to take my next dose of Naproxen. I am glad it is safe for me to stop using it. Is there another medication or therapy you would recommend for TMJ issues? Have you seen many patients with it in your practice? I am currently going for physiotherapy and my dentist has advised a mouthguard. I felt like the Naproxen was helping any pain I have had, but I am not sure if it was helping with the tightness in my jaw. I have only been taking it for a week though, so maybe that is not long enough to see much change. My doctor said if the Naproxen is not helping, he will send me for imaging to make sure I am getting the proper diagnosis. The dentist and physiotherapist think my disc is displaced. They seem to think it can be healed, but I am so worried that it ca not be. Is it possible that it could take weeks or months to heal? Would you recommend seeing a chiropractor or osteopath?

Thank you.