NSAIDs: What They Are, How They Work, and What You Need to Know

When you reach for ibuprofen or naproxen to ease a headache, sore muscles, or arthritis pain, you’re using a class of drugs called NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. Also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, these are among the most common medications people take daily—often without realizing how deeply they affect the body. Unlike acetaminophen, which just dulls pain, NSAIDs actually block chemicals in your body that cause swelling and discomfort. That’s why they work so well for joint pain, menstrual cramps, or injuries. But that same mechanism is also why they can hurt your stomach, kidneys, or heart if used too long or too often.

Many people don’t know that aspirin, a type of NSAID often used for heart protection is different from ibuprofen or celecoxib, even though they all fall under the same category. Each has its own risk profile. For example, long-term use of any NSAID raises your chance of stomach bleeding—especially if you’re over 60, take blood thinners, or have a history of ulcers. And while most think of NSAIDs as harmless over-the-counter fixes, studies show that even short bursts can spike blood pressure or worsen kidney function in older adults. That’s why monitoring kidney function and understanding drug interactions matters more than ever.

NSAIDs don’t exist in a vacuum. They interact with other meds you might be taking—like blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, or diabetes pills. In fact, some posts in this collection show how NSAIDs can cancel out the effects of certain hypertension treatments, or make side effects from gabapentin worse. They’re also a big concern for workers in high-risk jobs, where dizziness or slowed reaction time from these drugs can lead to accidents. Even something as simple as storing your pills in a hot car can make them less effective—or more dangerous.

There’s a growing awareness that not all pain needs an NSAID. For many, physical therapy, heat, or even simple movement works better with fewer risks. And for chronic conditions like arthritis, newer treatments are emerging that target inflammation more precisely, without the same side effects. But until then, knowing how to use NSAIDs safely is one of the smartest things you can do for your long-term health.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how these drugs affect seniors, how they interact with other medications, what hidden dangers they carry, and how to avoid common mistakes that put your health at risk. No fluff. No marketing. Just what you need to know to use NSAIDs wisely—or decide when to skip them entirely.